Morgenberghorn Hike via Brunnihütte: Top Highlights & 9 Essential Tips (early June Edition)

DETAILS*

Duration: 8h 30min including all breaks

Difficulty: 

Distance: 20 km point to point

Incline: 1609 m

Decline: 2056 m

The highest point: 2248 m above sea level

Our coffee for the hike: Drip Bag Papua New Guinea

OUR EXPERIENCE:

Starting point: 

We took a bus 62 from Spiez, Bahnhof station to Aeschiried, Schulhaus (16 min, it goes once per hour every day).

End point:

We took a bus 60 from Daerligen, Bahnhof station back to Spiez, Bahnhof (20 min, it goes every 30 min every day).

TIP #1: We chose this direction to hike up blue trail instead of hiking it down and approach to the direction of Wilderswil (also last part of this hike is on the road that we wanted to avoid).

Itinerary:

The full ascent to Morgenberghorn from Aeschiried (1,015 m above sea level) via the red trail is estimated at 4h 25min.

We hiked up to Brunnihütte (1646 m above sea level):

This part features steady incline with occasional gentle stretches through the fields, crossing several cow fields. On your right, you can admire views of Niesen, and on your left, Lake Thun.

TIP #2: There are many benches and designated fire spots. We recommend enjoying breakfast outdoors here without rushing.

The final stretch to Brunnihütte lies directly in front of Morgenberghorn and appears intimidating (you see in front of you the white red trail). The white red and white blue trails, however, are similar in difficulty. Due to muddy conditions, we preferred the white blue trail for the ascent and white red for descent. 

TIP #3: Both trails are of similar difficulty, but the blue path has more exposed sections. If you're uncomfortable with exposure, it may be easier to hike up than descend via white-red trail.

After the Brunnihütte, we descended about 200m to join hiking path 38 (ViaBerna Stage 12: Aeschi bei Spiez – Saxeten), which leads through a peaceful forest valley. Morgenberghorn is not visible from this segment.

After regaining elevation, you'll find two good rest areas with benches.

In summer, a small hut occasionally offers refreshments. This time (early June) we did not meet any signs of operation though. You continue on the white-red path until reaching Rengglipass.

From Rengglipass, a sign indicates 1h 15min to the summit. We reached the pass at 13:40, 3h 40min into the hike, and summited by 14:30, beating the estimate with a 50-minute climb. The white blue trail features some chain secured sections and a short scramble requiring to use hands. It’s less clearly marked on rocky sections. Please see our photos. I personally loved this part!

TIP #4: We saw families with teenagers on this trail, so it’s not dangerous. Photos in this post show the most difficult parts.

The summit features a bench and a scenic Bernese flag. Views of Lakes Thun and Brienz are stunning. It is a well deserved perfect break spot!

TIP #5: Be prepared for many insects on the summit. A long-sleeve layer helps you enjoy the view longer.

We spent an hour at the top, enjoying Basler Drip Coffee. At the beginning we were in the clouds, giving amazing feeling of being “nowhere”. After short time clouds cleared, revealing Niederhorn – the spot from our last hike. 

After hiking down to Brunnihutte, we chose a different route for the descent via Leissibärgli. Mostly flat, it becomes steep after Leissibärgli until it reaches Därligen Bahnhof. . 

This part of the hike is amazing, flat (only get steep down after reaching Leissibärgli. You pass a few springs (if there is enough water going down the mountains).

TIP #6: Be cautious crossing snow covered sections. Snow over thin air pockets can collapse especially in warm days, when snow is continuously melting. 

Our food (ca. 1800 kcal): we usually eat as we would on a normal active day but we are always prepared with high-carb snacks like cashews, peanuts, and protein bars. We are vegetarians.

Breakfast (350 kcal): on the first incline we ate sandwich with Philadelphia cheese, cucumber, and lettuce.

Snack (250 kcal): Two nectarines and a banana per person.

Lunch (800 kcal): On the way up and on the top we had a tortilla with hummus, grilled zucchini & peppers, lettuce, and spring onions.

Snack (200 kcal): Protein bar during descent.

Our drinks:

Coffee on the train and another after reaching the top Drip Coffee 

TIP #7: The bus stop (Aeschiried, Schulhaus) has no water fountain. Fill bottles beforehand. Water stops are limited, and Brunnihütte has no potable water. Always bring enough water with you on a hike!

TIP #8: In warmer months, we add Isostar Fast Hydration Tabs to prevent salt loss.

We carried 3.2 L (4x 0.8 L bottles) and refilled 2x 0.8 L once, giving us in total 4.8 L for two people

What we packed:

This time, learning from our last experience (please see Niederhorn hike post), I took my crampons, but they were not needed even though a few times we had to pass over snow cover.

We wore shorts, t-shirts (Piotr very thin long sleeve), and hats. After checking weather conditions (13oC on the top) we decided to carry only a rain jacket, and one extra top layer. 

Specific season conditions:

We did the hike first week of July. This year (in 2025) spring is very long, thus, there was a lot of mud (I just cleaned our hiking shoes!) and a bit of snow to pass. This is why we decided to hike up the white-blue path, instead of going it down. However, the white-red and white-blue paths to reach the top from my perspective are equally difficult (one or two chain protected areas). The only difference is that the white-blue path has bigger exposure and is less clearly marked on rocky scrambles. On those, you have to use your arms to climb a bit up.

Highlights:

Views, views, and views! Stunning panoramic views. Despite initial cloud cover at the top, wind revealed breathtaking views of the Thunsee and Brienzsee.

TIP #9: Summit insects can be overwhelming. Bring long sleeves and buffs to enjoy the moment!

Let's sum up our TIPs:

TIP #1: We chose this direction to hike up blue trail instead of hiking it down and approach to the direction of Wilderswil (also last part of this hike is on the road that we wanted to avoid).

TIP #2: There are many benches and designated fire spots. We recommend enjoying breakfast outdoors here without rushing.

TIP #3: Both trails are of similar difficulty, but the blue path has more exposed sections. If you're uncomfortable with exposure, it may be easier to hike up than descend via white-red trail.

TIP #4: We saw families with teenagers on this trail, so it’s not dangerous. Photos in this post show the most difficult parts.

TIP #5: Be prepared for many insects on the summit. A long sleeve layer helps you enjoy the view longer.

TIP #6: Be cautious crossing snow-covered sections. Snow over thin air pockets can collapse especially in warm days, when snow is continuously melting. 

TIP #7: The bus stop (Aeschiried, Schulhaus) has no water fountain. Fill bottles beforehand. Water stops are limited, and Brunnihütte has no potable water. Always bring enough water with you on a hike!

TIP #8: In warmer months, we add Isostar Fast Hydration Tabs to prevent salt loss.

TIP #9: Summit insects can be overwhelming. Bring long sleeves and buffs to enjoy the moment! 

 

*supported by Garmin and SchweizMobil