Steinsee

Steinsee is a glacial lake in the municipality of Innertkirchen, canton of Bern, right beside the road up to the Susten Pass. It sits at 1,934 m above sea level at the head of the Gadmertal valley, below the Stein Glacier.

How did the lake form?

The lake appeared after 1940. The Stein Glacier, about 4 km long, was retreating fast, and meltwater filled the basin its tongue had left behind. Today the main arm of the ice ends just beyond the water, in the high Steinalp basin. Runoff from the area drains into the Aare and on toward Innertkirchen.

How do you get to Steinsee?

The usual route goes through Meiringen. A Postauto bus runs from there to Innertkirchen and further up the valley to the Hotel Steingletscher stop, beside the Susten road at roughly 2,030 m. From the hotel and nearby car park it is a short walk to the shore. Drivers can also use a private, toll-charged road that gets closer to the lake; check the current fee locally, as it changes. The Gadmen to Goeschenen bus operates in summer only.

What is there to see?

• The Stein Glacier spilling into the basin, with the milky, glacier-fed lake in front of it.
• The Steinalp pasture, with a cheese dairy and an educational glacier trail.
• Rock walls of the Urner Alps ringing the basin.
• Hotel Steingletscher, a handy base for multi-day hikes.

Which hiking routes start here?

A short stroll from the hotel to the lakeshore takes little time and needs no preparation. A longer option follows the old muleteers' track, restored in 1992-93, from Gadmen to Steingletscher (around 10 km, roughly four hours including the climb to the pass, with a possible detour to Steinsee). A two-day route links Innertkirchen with Hotel Steingletscher for an overnight stay. From the Susten Pass summit (about 2,260 m) a 21 km descent to Innertkirchen takes about 7.5 hours.

When should you go?

Come in summer, when the pass road is open and buses run. Mornings are usually best for viewing the glacier. At this altitude expect a cold breeze even in July, so pack a warm layer.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Steinsee?

In the municipality of Innertkirchen in the canton of Bern, by the Susten Pass, at 1,934 m.

Can you walk to the lake?

Yes. The stroll from the Hotel Steingletscher area is short, while the trail from Gadmen is longer and follows a historic track.

Is it a natural lake?

Yes. It formed naturally after 1940 on ground uncovered by the retreating glacier.

Can you reach it by public transport?

Yes: train to Meiringen, then Postauto to Innertkirchen or directly to the Hotel Steingletscher stop in the summer season.