There are many beautiful Alps in the Bernese Oberland. One of them is the Elsigenalp in the Engstligental, through which the river of the same name rushes. Last year we made it through this valley to Adelboden. But we hadn’t yet visited the high Alps on both sides of the valley.

We did this on July 3, 2024, when the sun came out and the rain took a break. It was convertible weather! Once again, we had the smell of fresh hay in our noses. First, we went down into the valley to Frutigen, where we turned into the Engstligental towards Adelboden. Every now and then we overtook a hay wagon that was chugging leisurely through the valley. Nobody is in a hurry in these valleys. You take time to have a chat with your neighbor but also with the tourist if he takes the time.

After around ten kilometers a sign pointed in the direction of the cable car station Elsigennalp and Metsch. We knew there was a narrow road leading up; and what we saw confirmed this. (It’s better to drive this route during the week and not on the weekend.) Ten minutes later we were standing in front of a nice inn in Elsigbach, which was unfortunately closed. No problem, because we also have cold beer, wine, cheese and bread at home. And that’s where we headed next…

PS: If you want to know more about this alp, read here.