4.7
(926)
8,610
hikers
19
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Totesee are situated in a high-alpine environment at the Grimsel Pass, offering dramatic mountain landscapes. The region lies on the continental watershed, separating North Sea and Mediterranean Sea drainages, and features the picturesque Totesee lake, known for reflections of surrounding peaks like Sidelhorn and Schafberg. This area is characterized by significant elevation changes and views of glaciers, providing a diverse terrain for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
5.0
(58)
448
hikers
9.74km
04:14
560m
560m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.9
(30)
205
hikers
11.7km
05:36
810m
810m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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4.4
(14)
74
hikers
7.72km
02:45
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(5)
38
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(5)
57
hikers
10.2km
04:36
630m
630m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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An eye-catcher at the lake
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The Sidelhorn is a 2764 m high mountain in the Bernese Alps massif in Switzerland. It lies on the border of the cantons of Valais and Bern and on the European main watershed. https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidelhorn
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Here you have an excellent view of the Totesee lake and the Grimsel Pass. A short stop is worthwhile.
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Speaking of the Grimsel Pass: The Grimsel Pass is in the heart of the Alps, an exceptional natural area. From a hydrological point of view, the large amounts of precipitation are unique. Here at the Grimsel Pass, this is an average of around 2300 litres per square metre per year. 300 litres of this evaporate per square metre, and 2000 litres per square metre leave the region as runoff in the Rhone or Aare. That is a lot of water: twice as much as the Swiss average and almost seven times as much as the average in Germany. Depending on which side of the pass the water drops reach the earth's surface, they flow into the Mediterranean or the North Sea. The Aare, with a total length of around 290 km, flows through the cantons of Bern, Solothurn and Aargau, crossing Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and Lake Biel. It is the longest river located entirely in Switzerland. Although the Aare carries more water on average at the confluence with the Rhine, it loses its name. After another 1000 km of flow, the Aare water flows into the North Sea as part of the Rhine. The Rhone, on the other hand, keeps its name until it flows into the Mediterranean. Its approximately 810 km long flow takes it through the Valais into Lake Geneva and from there via Lyon into the French Rhone Valley, where it repeatedly receives tributaries from the Western Alps. While the Aare flows into an oceanic climate, the Rhone carries the water from the Grimsel Pass into the Mediterranean climate zone, where the abundant snow and glacier meltwater from alpine rivers is very popular in the dry summers.
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The water of the Grimselsee has the colour of glacier milk. The play of cloud shadows on the surface of the lake makes the view from here spectacular
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Small chapel consecrated on 8 September 1961
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Monument at the Atlantic / Mediterranean watershed
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There are 19 hiking trails around Totesee that are easily accessible from bus stations. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate walks to challenging alpine treks.
Yes, there are 9 moderate routes available. For a relatively short and scenic option, consider the Grimsel Pass and the Totensee – Totensee (Grimsel Pass) loop from Grimselpass, which is just over 2.6 km. Another moderate choice is the Lake Jost loop from Grimselpass, covering about 7.7 km.
The Totesee region, situated on the Grimsel Pass, offers dramatic high-alpine landscapes. You'll experience stunning mountain reflections on the lake, views of peaks like Sidelhorn and Schafberg, and the unique geographical feature of the continental divide. The area is known for its pristine and captivating aesthetic, often compared to scenic lakes in Canada or Norway.
Yes, many of the routes accessible from the Grimselpass bus station are circular. For example, the Grimsel Pass and the Totensee – Totensee (Grimsel Pass) loop from Grimselpass offers a short, scenic loop around the lake. For a longer moderate option, try the Lake Jost loop from Grimselpass.
Many trails offer views of significant landmarks. You can visit the Grimsel Pass itself, which is a major alpine crossing. Don't miss the Continental Divide Monument at Grimsel Pass, marking the hydrological boundary between the North Sea and Mediterranean drainages. The Totensee (Grimsel Pass) is a beautiful highlight, and some routes offer views of the Grimsel Hospiz and Lake Grimsel.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.65 stars from over 900 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning alpine scenery, the clear waters of Totesee reflecting the mountains, and the diverse range of trails suitable for various fitness levels, all easily accessible by public transport.
Absolutely. There are 10 difficult routes available. For a demanding trek with extensive views, consider the View from Sidelhorn – View of Totesee loop from Grimselpass, which climbs over 560 meters. Another challenging option is the View of the Rhone Glacier – Grätli Lake loop from Grimselpass, featuring over 800 meters of elevation gain.
Yes, from certain vantage points in the Grimsel Pass region, you can enjoy views of the Unteraar Glacier. Some of the more challenging routes, like the View of the Rhone Glacier – Grätli Lake loop from Grimselpass, specifically highlight glacier views.
Due to its high-alpine location at 2,160 meters, Totesee experiences cool or cold temperatures year-round with substantial precipitation, primarily snow. The Grimsel Pass road, which provides bus access, is typically open from late May or early June to October, making summer and early autumn the best times for hiking when trails are clear of snow and bus services are fully operational.
Yes, the entire region is rich with panoramic viewpoints. The View from Sidelhorn – View of Totesee loop from Grimselpass offers exceptional vistas. Additionally, the Oberaar Panorama Road from Grimsel Pass, accessible from the pass, is considered one of Switzerland's most beautiful views of the Alps.


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