Gelmerhütte SAC – Alpine Hut & Grimsel Hiking Hub

The Gelmerhütte SAC is a beautifully located alpine hut above the Grimsel Pass, overlooking the striking turquoise waters of Gelmersee. Thanks to its accessibility and dramatic scenery, it is a popular hiking and trekking hut, frequently used as a stage on regional routes in the eastern Bernese Alps. While set in high-mountain terrain, it is not a technical mountaineering base.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Grimsel Pass / Gelmersee area, Bernese Alps, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,412 m

  • Type: Serviced SAC alpine hut (with winter room)

  • Capacity: Approx. 35–40 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually June to October (depending on snow conditions)

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access to the Gelmerhütte is straightforward and scenic.

  • Main approach:

    • From Gelmerbahn (funicular) upper station near Gelmersee

    • From Handegg (longer hiking option)

  • Hiking time:

    • From Gelmerbahn: ~1–1.5 hours

    • From Handegg: ~4–5 hours

  • Elevation gain:

    • From Gelmerbahn: ~300–400 m

    • From Handegg: ~1,200 m

  • Terrain: Alpine trails, rocky slabs, exposed sections near the lake

  • Difficulty: T2–T3

  Some exposed sections require sure-footedness.

• Facilities & Comfort

  The Gelmerhütte offers classic SAC comfort in a compact format.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during the guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is simple and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is friendly and social.

  • Traditional alpine meals

  • Mix of day hikers and overnight guests

  • Evenings often lively due to the hut’s popularity

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended, especially in summer

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Gelmerhütte is ideally placed for:

  • Gelmersee circuit hikes

  • Regional trekking routes around the Grimsel Pass

  • Connections toward neighboring huts and valleys

  • Scenic day hikes and photography routes

  Routes are hiking-focused and non-technical.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Snow lingers early season; weather can change quickly

  • Main risks: Slippery rock slabs, fog, storms

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Regular hikers

  • Long-distance alpine trekkers

  • Landscape photographers

  • Travelers seeking dramatic scenery with manageable access

  • Not intended for technical mountaineering

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,412 m, the Gelmerhütte SAC offers one of the most visually striking hut settings in the Alps. Overlooking the Gelmersee and surrounded by rugged Bernese terrain, it combines accessibility, atmosphere, and scenery—making it an ideal destination for hikers wanting a memorable alpine overnight without technical commitment.