Parapente Glecksteinhuette

The Glecksteinhütte tour is one of the most scenic and spectacular hikes you can undertake. Starting from Grindelwald, you'll be treated to phenomenal views right from the beginning. Parking is available in Grindelwald, but it is paid, and bus fares are even higher. You can take the bus (line "Große Scheidegg") from the parking lot or train station to the "Abzweigung Glecksteinhütte" stop, which shortens the hike by about 500 meters in altitude. Alternatively, you can drive to this bus stop and park there, but you must land there as well, which is theoretically possible but the terrain is steep. Another starting point is the Hotel Wetterhorn, about 300 meters below, where you can also park for a fee. From there, follow the yellow-marked path (beware of nearby mountain bike trails). The only reliable water source until the hut is between the Glecksteinhütte bus stop and the wall entry. The path from Hotel Wetterhorn does not pass directly by this water source. From Grindelwald/train station parking, follow the road towards "Große Scheidegg"/Hotel Wetterhorn or the hiking signs towards Engi or Gletscherpfad. You will reach Hotel Wetterhorn, where the first official SAC hiking sign for the hut is located. Upon reaching the north face of the Wetterhorn massif, you might be intimidated by the steep path ahead. Don't worry, there is a trail, but it is exposed and not always equipped with ropes. This route is for very experienced ParaAlpinists who are sure-footed and free from vertigo. The SAC warns about the difficulty at the start of the tour. Avoid this hike if the rocks are wet or covered in snow. If conditions are right, the hike offers stunning views of several 4000-meter peaks and a glacier tongue. The glacier occasionally calves, sending ice crashing down with a thunderous noise. The path initially follows the north face on the "Ischpfad" until you reach the corner above the disused cable car station "Engi." From here, you move to the west side into the glacier gorge, losing the view of the Eiger north face and the Mönch but gaining views of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Lauteraarhorn. If you encounter a moderate south wind at "Zybachs Platten," consider turning back and hiking up the opposite Firsten. This gorge is prone to strong south winds. My first attempt to fly from there was thwarted by 50 km/h south winds, even though conditions were good on the opposite First. Always check the Föhn potential and upper winds for the Bernese Oberland (Jungfraujoch station, nearby passes). The path becomes less steep but includes smooth rock passages, especially at the Wyssbach waterfall, which is slippery and steep despite the rope. In summer, this spot offers a refreshing cool-down, but it's challenging to collect water here. Continue steeply uphill to an alternative launch site at around 2100 meters if the wind at the hut is not from the southwest. The hut's flag is visible from here. This spot offers a great view of the glacier tongue and is an excellent resting place. Regular glacier calving adds to the spectacle. Between the hut and this knoll, there are additional launch options to the south, northwest, and west. However, strong west winds can create turbulence due to the Schreckhorn's ridge. From here, continue towards Glecksteinhütte, visible from this point, along a series of switchbacks that gradually flatten out. At the hut, you can rest, collect water, and enjoy the views of the 4000-meter peaks or head to the launch site, about a minute southeast of the hut. The launch site is a small grassy area with a few stones, suitable for a large paraglider. The flight over the glacier tongue and gorge posed no danger on the day of my visit. If launching in the afternoon, quickly head to the west flank. By the time you reach the exposed needle above Engi, it should reliably lift. On good days, you might even soar above the Wetterhorn. Paragliders often cross from the opposite First. In summer, valley wind soaring over the Pfingstegg station is also possible. There are two official landing sites in Grindelwald: one in "Grund" (near the Männlichen valley station) and one at the Firstbahn valley station, closer to the launch site. The latter should be inspected beforehand due to uneven terrain and variable winds. The landing site in Grund should be reachable without thermal assistance. Directions: By car: Bregenz-Walensee-Lucerne-Thun-Interlaken; Zurich-Bern-Interlaken; from the south via Gotthard (or Vorderrhein-Oberalppass)-Furkapass-Grimselpass-Interlaken. By train: From the north, follow the car route; from the south: Brig-Spiez-Interlaken. Starting point: Grindelwald bus station (or Hotel Wetterhorn or bus stop Abzw. Gleckstein). Elevation difference: 1270 meters (1089 meters or 760 meters). Duration: 3-4 hours (2.5-3.5 hours or 1.5-2.5 hours). Launch directions: SW-NW. Landing site: Officially in "Grund" and at the First valley station. Hazards: Exposed trail; occasional low-flying Swiss Air Force exercises, check beforehand. Maps: Swiss national map 1:50,000, sheet 254T "Interlaken" with hiking trails; Swiss national map 1:25,000, sheet 2520 "Jungfrau Region"; Kompass 1:50,000, sheet 84 "Jungfrau Region." Markings are white-red-white, yellow trail signs from Hotel Wetterhorn. Glecksteinhütte (2317 m), open July to September, occasionally in June and October; Tel. 033/853 11 40. Orientation: 202.5° - 247.5° Difficulty: Medium Height: 2320 m Cable car: No Hiking time: 120 min From Grindelwald, take the post bus towards Gr. Scheidegg to the Lochbuehl stop. From there, follow the marked mountain path to the hut. The launch site is a steep meadow. For more information, visit [Paraalpin Glecksteinhütte](http://www.paraalpin.de/glecksteinhuette.html).