Gadmen – Mountain Landscapes, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Gadmen is a locality in the municipality of Innertkirchen, in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district of the canton of Bern. It lies in the Gadmer Valley in the Bernese Oberland. The area offers visitors a range of ways to plan a stay: winter trails, climbing routes, the landscape around the Susten Pass and local cultural history.

Landscapes in the Gadmer Valley

The Gadmer Valley at the Susten Pass is a natural area and a place for recreation. The Gadmerwasser flows through the valley; the Gadenlauisee lies high above the village of Gadmen. The Steingletscher, Triftgletscher and Wendengletscher are all within the area of Gadmen. The Steinsee lies below the Steingletscher. The river, the high-altitude lake and the glaciers each represent a different aspect of the landscape in the area.

Gadmen lies on the ascent to the Susten Pass. The pass summit is on the eastern municipal and cantonal boundary. The pass is also relevant to some tours, which are only accessible when it is open; check the relevant conditions when planning such a route.

Winter trails and circular route

The easy Gadmen winter hiking trail runs from Fuhren to Obermad and takes about one hour. Signs and trail markers make it easy to follow. Its availability depends on snow and operating conditions; check these before planning your hike. Another winter route, “In the Shadow of the Wendenstöcke,” runs from Gadmen/Obermad via Gadmen, Fuhren, Schaftelen and Schwendeli to Nessental.

The Gadmen cross-country ski trail is a 15-kilometre circular route along the Gadmerwasser that passes the village of Gadmen. The winter hiking trail has an approximate duration and two named endpoints, while the ski trail is described as a circular route with a stated length. The trail’s length and grooming may vary from season to season; check current conditions before adding it to your plans.

The Gadmer Trophy is another winter highlight in the area: a sled dog race held under floodlights on a night trail around seven kilometres long. Check the event dates if you plan to attend.

Climbing and ski touring

The Tälli via ferrata runs through the Gadmer Dolomites and is around 600 metres long. It starts at the Tälli Restaurant and Mountain Lodge, which is accessible by the Tällibahn cable car. Access conditions may vary by season; check them before setting out. The Wendenstöcke climbing area has more than 100 multi-pitch routes.

The “Röschtigraben” climbing route is 700 metres long and has 23 pitches, graded 8a+ (7b obligatory). The approach is by train to Innertkirchen, followed by a postbus to Gadmen Obermaad, then on foot via Wendenalp (Wendenläger) to the bivouac below Reissend Nollen. It takes about three and a half hours and requires the Susten Pass to be open. A SAC ski tour is called “From Gadmen over the Wendenboden”; a long approach at the foot of the Wendenstöcke is noted for this tour.

Goldvreneli and church

The Goldvreneli Trail is a circular route with nine stops. They cover Rosa Tännler, the Gadmer Valley and life in the region. The Gadmen Goldvreneli tradition links Rosa Tännler to the portrait on the Swiss gold coin: the story tells of her meeting with Fritz Ulysse Landry in 1894 and the coin portrait that resulted from it. The place name also has a historical linguistic connection.

The present-day church in Gadmen was built on the old walls of a former chapel and is protected by the federal government. Two bells can be viewed beneath the pulpit: one from 1500, dedicated to Saint Michael, and another from 1800, made at a foundry in Valais. Visiting arrangements may vary; check before your visit.

Plan your journey

You can reach Gadmen by postbus from the Grimseltor in Innertkirchen in about 20 minutes. Check the current timetable when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Hohfluh, Unterbäch, Hasliberg, Schattenhalb, Innertkirchen, Reuti, Guttannen, Meiringen.

Back to the main travel overview: Oberhasli.