Overnight Gfellalp Hut
Activity overview
We recomend beginning this hike from the centre at lunchtime, hiking to the small village of Selden in the Gasterntal valley. From here, venture up to the top of the valley, and up towards our hut, Gfellalp, in time for dinner. This is a perfect spot for stargazing, or simply enjoying a nice campfire outside! The hike down in the morning takes in the rest of the spectacular Gasterntal valley, descending through a gorge with incredible views across Kandersteg and down the Kander Valley.
This is only a guide. Times might change according to the weather and the group’s ability.
Day 1
| 14:00 | Leave KISC |
| 15:00 | Arrive at Waldhus follow route 14 to Selden |
| 16:30 | Hike up to Gfellalp hut from Selden |
| 17:30 | Arrive at Gfellalp hut |
Day 2
| 08:30 | Start hiking down to KISC |
| 12:00 | Arrive back at KISC |
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Price adult: CHF 20.00
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Price child: CHF 20.00
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Less than 7 days before activity: fee of 50% of the price per person
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Less than 48 hours in advance: non refundable
- You need to fill in the route card at reception, before your departure.
- Please check at reception for the route conditions as they are reviewed regularly.
- Leaflets containing more information on the exact route can be found in reception.
- There is a kitchen at the hut available to use for all groups staying there. This includes two stoves (one wood burning and one gas), access to fresh water, cooking utensiles, plates, cups, cutlery, oil and spices.
- A KISC Pinkie Guide will arrive to open the hut for you at around 17:30. If you arrive before it will not be open, so please plan your hike accordingly. When planning your meals, don’t forget to include dinner for them too!
- Please help us to take care of our huts for future groups by cleaning the hut before you leave, and recycling as you would do at the centre. Your Pinkie Guide will be on hand to answer any questions you have about this.
- In high season it may be necessary to share rooms with another group
- The hut has three different accommodation options - 21 beds, 16 beds and 6 beds. Beds are not allocated in advance so allocation needs to be decided by groups upon arrival.
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A sheet sleeping bag liner is required for the overnight. If you do not have one then you can rent a sleeping bag liner from reception for a CHF 3.00 fee and CHF 50.00 deposit (subject to availability).
- Rucksack - 20 to 40 litres
- Hiking boots with ankle support (no trainers)
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
- Warm clothing - long trousers, fleece, warm hat and gloves (no jeans)
- Sun protection - sun cream, sunglasses, sun hat
- Water bottle - 2 litres
- Food - packed lunch and snacks
- Personal medication (asthma inhalers, etc.)
- Pocket money (optional, badges, snacks and drinks available at the hut)
- First aid kit
- Hiking map, compass and whistle
- Mobile phone
Extra equipment for overnight activities:
- Sheet sleeping bag liner (not a regular sleeping bag)
- Torch
- Food - dinner and breakfast
You can get closer to achieving the following awards and badges, by completing this activity:
The local area around KISC has a rich history. Below is a little more information about the area to enrich your hiking experience.
The Gasterntal was carved out by the Kanderfirn Glacier, which is now retreated well past the village of Selden. This gives it its steep sides and flat bottom, forming a U-shape. In the cliffs you can see the folds in the rock from when the Alps were formed millions of years ago. The locals say you can see a dragon in the rock if you look closely. Because of the way the alps were formed, most valleys run north-to-south: the Gasterntal is unusual and runs east-to-west, so gets sunlight all day and as such is home to a huge variety of plants and trees.
The road into the valley from Kandersteg was only built in 1924, although the valley has been lived in since Neolithic times. Before that, the only way into the valley was by crossing the Lötschenpass, which sits 2,690 m high on the south side. In the winter, the valley is cut off from the outside world by snow, so it is only inhabited in the summer months. There are large areas where the trees grow at odd angles from when avalanches have torn through the forest, highlighting the dangers of winter.
If want to find out more about the mountains, the hut, or anything else then your Pinkie guide would love to teach you in the evening!
