Isenfluh is a small hamlet above the road from Wilderswil to Lauterbrunnen. Its historic centre, with winding lanes, courtyards and open squares, sits alongside excursions up to Sulwald and seasonal winter activities. You can plan a stay that combines the village setting, mountain hiking trails and snow tours.
Village Character and History
Isenfluh has remained undeveloped both within and around the village. Some of its Oberland houses are architecturally significant; winding lanes, courtyards and open squares give the village centre its distinctive spatial character. Those interested in the hamlet’s architecture and history will find more than just a starting point for excursions here: the layout of the village itself also shapes the experience.
Isenfluh’s history includes changing rulers: Interlaken Monastery had owned the village since the 14th century. From 1528, Isenfluh was administered by the Interlaken bailiwick for 270 years. These historical connections add to the picture of the village today, without requiring a longer route.
Getting There and the Connection to Sulwald
The PostBus takes a further 14 minutes from Lauterbrunnen station square directly to Isenfluh. Check the timetable before you travel; timetables and services may vary. From Interlaken or Wilderswil, take the main road towards Lauterbrunnen. About two kilometres after Zweilütschinen, a sign points right to Isenfluh; from there, a winding mountain road leads to the village and the cable car’s valley station.
Since 1975, a cable car has connected Isenfluh with the hamlet of Sulwald. Sulwald lies at 1,520 metres above sea level and can be reached from Isenfluh by the small cable car. Several of the excursions described below start in Sulwald at a higher elevation, while others begin in Isenfluh itself or lead back there.
Hiking and the Themed Trail
The Isenfluh–Sulwald themed trail starts in Sulwald. Take the gondola from Isenfluh to the top; the trail passes the Sulwald viewpoint and Lobhornhütte before returning to Sulwald and Isenfluh. Seven signposted stops share information about nature and places steeped in legend. The trail combines a set sequence of stops with the route between Sulwald and Isenfluh.
Various mountain hiking trails lead to Mäderalp from the Isenfluh post bus stop or the Sulwald mountain station. Lobhornhütte is also near Isenfluh: it stands on a plateau at just under 2,000 metres, high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley and close to the small Sulssewli lake. It is known for its views of the nearby ice giants of the Bernese Alps and the diverse flora in its surroundings. The elevation profile for the “142 Sulwald Trail” lists Isenfluh–Sulwald at 1,520 metres and Mederalp at 1,638 metres.
Winter Excursions and Descents
Ride a monster scooter downhill from Sulwald to Isenfluh. The winding alpine roads pass meadows and forests. Monster scooters can be rented directly at the Isenfluh–Sulwald cable car’s mountain station and returned and paid for at the valley station in Isenfluh after the ride. Seasonal operations may vary; rental and return arrangements may also change.
Another winter route is the four-kilometre toboggan run from Sulwald to Isenfluh. It passes the frozen Sulsbach waterfall on its way down to the village. Snow and operating conditions determine when the route can be used. The ski tour to the 2,413-metre-high Höji Sulegg runs from Sulwald via Sulsalp to the summit; snow and avalanche conditions are decisive on this high-alpine route. One possible descent follows the toboggan run and Bockstett down to the Isenfluh stop. This option depends on sufficient snow and route conditions.
A Break in Sulwald
Sulwald StĂĽbli serves regional and Tyrolean cuisine, as well as wine and local beer. The menu may change; check before visiting. With village sightseeing, hiking trails and snow-dependent descents, there are several ways to shape your trip.
Discover more destinations: Hofstetten Bei Brienz, Interlaken, Leissigen, Brienz, Habkern, Ringgenberg, Saxeten, Wilderswil.
Back to the main travel overview: Interlaken.
