Jegertosse hike: magnificent wild flowers

We have never seen as many wild flowers as we’ve seen on today’s walk… 100s of varieties in a multitude of colours, including many plants that we’d usually only see in gardens at home. Orchids were growing everywhere, just as we’d see common flowers such as dandelions on walks in the UK!

Our aim was to get to Jegertosse, a high alpine meadow at 2157 metres, with views over Balmhorn (3,698 metres) and Altels (3,629 metres). It was a longer hike than yesterday, and had much more ascent and descent (15 kilometres, 1030 metres). Apart from a group of scouts at the top, we saw few people all day.

We hiked through Kandersteg before climbing steeply through mountain woodlands. It was forecast to be a hot day, but the cliffs and trees shaded us, thankfully. We kept stopping to admire the flowers and take photos so the ascent took longer than it should have done, but we had all day.

After passing a lovely wooden chalet, the path got narrower and steeper, and in places almost disappeared under the carpet of flowers. As we got higher, we wound around the cliffs with long drops beside us. Wooden and stone steps were helpful in places, although we didn’t really need the chains provided for support.

Finally, we emerged from the trees into sunshine and meadows of flowers. There were amazing views of Kandersteg far below us, and the surrounding mountains. The gradient of the hike was a little easier now, and we soon reached a forestry hut at 2090 metres. After a break for something to eat and drink, we headed off uphill to Jegertosse

There must be a high risk of avalanches here because the hillside was covered in avalanche barriers… old stone walls and newer metal grids. We passed them and meandered along the edge of the cliffs, with steep drops to our right, and finally reached the summit cross.

The alpine meadow was delightful. I tiptoed between the flowers to the cross, and to the edges of the summit plateau, so I could admire the views all around us… well worth the steep uphill slog!

After chatting to the scouts, we retraced our steps to the forestry hut, before heading towards Fisialp. We followed a balcony path around the mountainside, then dropped into a meadow where cows were grazing, their bells announcing their presence from miles away.

Having scooted past the cows quickly 😝, we began the long descent back to Kandersteg, again enjoying all the different colours and types of flowers. My knees complained so we took our time and after about 6 and a half hours arrived back in Kandersteg, tired but happy. What a beautiful hike!