The Berghaus Oberaar is one of three hotels managed by a company called Grimsel Hotels, the other two are the Grimsel Hospiz and the Handeck Hotel. The Berghaus Oberaar is at the end of a 5km private road starting at the Grimsel pass. As the road is narrow, a tidal traffic flow operates controlled by traffic lights. Traffic flows one way for half an hour, and back for the other half hour. It takes less than 10 minutes from the pass to the Berghaus by car, or about an hour to walk (depending on how heavy your pack is)!
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| Road to Berghaus Oberaar (2001) |
There seems to be some association between the hotel company and the electricity generating company which operates the big reservoirs at the top of the pass. Both the Berghaus and the Hospiz are situated close to reservoirs. The Handeck is lower down.
But the great thing about getting to any of these hotels, and especially the Berghaus, is that they will come and pick you up! The pick-up normally operates from Innertkirchen (see the travel tip for Grimsel Pass), but we were lucky and got a ride from Meiringen. They operate a minibus a few times a day at set times, but say you can phone any time and they'll arrange to meet you if there isn't a scheduled pick-up. Our minibus belonged to the electricity company.
The Berghaus and the Hospiz, possibly also the Handeck, have seasonal opening. Check the dates before planning your trip.
The Berghaus has several basic but comfortable double or twin rooms each with a washbasin and running hot and cold water. Toilets and showers are shared. There is cheaper dormitory accommodation on the upper floor.
They offer a restaurant service with a typical hearty Swiss-German menu, and serve meals up to about 9 pm. There is a public phone - pay at the bar after your call. Everyone we had contact with was friendly and helpful, and spoke English.
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Design, text and graphics by Tony Turton. Copyright © 2002 Tony Turton
Last updated 1 September 2002
