Geltenbachhöhle

Geltenbachhöhle is a cave system in the Gastern Valley (Gasteretal) near Kandersteg, in the Bernese Oberland. The Geltenbach stream bursts from an opening high in a rock face and plunges into the valley as the Geltenbachfall waterfall.

What is the Geltenbachhöhle?

It is a karst spring: the water does not run along the surface but emerges straight out of the mountain. Surveys carried out since the 1970s put the mapped passages at roughly 1.3 km, with a vertical drop of about 50 m. For a long time the spring area counted among the last unexplored corners of Switzerland, and exploring the cave remains difficult and demands caving expertise.

What can you see there?

Most visitors come for the waterfall, reported at around 70 m high. A viewpoint sits along the trail leading deeper into the valley. The cave itself is the domain of experienced cavers rather than a self-guided attraction. The flow changes from day to day: when water levels rise, the cave mouth turns into the source of a thundering cascade.

How do you get there?

From Kandersteg a route leads into the Gasteretal through the Chluse gorge. A hiking loop with views of the falls covers about 15.5 km. The valley is narrow and car access runs through a tunnel with alternating one-way traffic, which can carry a fee. Another option is the bus from Kandersteg to the Sunnbüel valley station, the cable car up, then a walk down via Spittelmatte, the old Gemmi Pass route and the Chluse to Eggeschwand (7.8 km, about 2 h 20 min, medium difficulty). Hotel Waldhaus stands along the way and offers a good view back to the falls.

When should you visit?

Choose the warm months, when trails are dry and the valley is in bloom; the Gasteretal is known for alpine wildflowers, including rare species. Sturdy hiking boots are a must. After snowmelt and heavy rain the waterfall is at its most powerful.

Frequently asked questions

Can you enter the Geltenbachhöhle? The cave is difficult and explored by experienced cavers. Visitors admire the waterfall and the rock face the water emerges from.

Where is the Geltenbachhöhle? In the Gasteretal near Kandersteg, canton of Bern. Do not confuse it with the Geltenschuss waterfall at Lauenen near Gstaad.

How long is the cave? Mapped passages measure about 1.3 km, with a drop of about 50 m.

Is the road into the valley toll-free? The road into the Gasteretal runs through a tunnel and driving in can cost a fee. Check current rules with Kandersteg tourism before you go.