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The History of the Haslital

View of Lake Grimsel with mountain peaks bathed in the evening glow.

In the early days of tourism in the Alps, between 1870 and 1880, Meiringen was an important and much-visited destination. Meiringen enjoyed a final heyday at the beginning of the 20th century, when wealthy Englishmen, accompanied by local mountain guides, conquered the remaining Alpine peaks. Ever since the dawn of mountaineering, the Haslital has been a centre for mountain sports of rare diversity. Today, the Haslital holiday region is an attractive and versatile resort with a rich heritage.

The beginnings

The history of the Hasli Valley stretches back a long way. As early as the Bronze Age, people were living in the region and using the natural mountain passes over the Grimsel, Susten and Brünig. These Alpine passes meant that the valley became an important transport and trade route between the Bernese Oberland, Central Switzerland and the Valais at an early stage.
In the Middle Ages, the Hasli valley community developed into an independent community with extensive rights of freedom. For centuries, agriculture, alpine farming, livestock breeding and trade across the Alps shaped the lives of the local population and laid the foundations for the people’s strong sense of attachment to their homeland.

The development of tourism

A new era began in the 19th century with the development of the Alps and the construction of modern transport links. Between 1870 and 1880, Meiringen developed into one of the most important tourist destinations in the Swiss Alps. Visitors from Great Britain, in particular, discovered the impressive landscape, the healthy mountain climate and the spectacular natural attractions of the Hasli Valley.
The expansion of the mountain passes, the connection to the railway and the emergence of renowned hotels brought the region to international attention. Attractions such as the Aare Gorge, the Reichenbach Falls and the surrounding Alps drew ever more visitors to the Haslital and laid the foundations for modern tourism.

The Kuhstallbar on the Mägisalp attracts numerous guests who sit on the sun terrace. Ski slopes wind around the bar, where winter sports enthusiasts are out and about. The facility is located in the heart of the Hasliberg ski area.
© David Birri. CC0 (OpenData)

Mountaineering in the Haslital

The Grimsel is regarded as the cradle of mountain guiding in the Haslital. It was from here that pioneers such as Louis Agassiz and Josef Hugi explored the Bernese Alps together with local hunters and herdsmen.
With mountain guides such as Melchior Anderegg, the legendary ‘King of the Guides’, the Haslital gained international renown during the Golden Age of alpinism. English mountaineers in particular left their mark on this era and, together with the Haslital guides, conquered numerous summits.
In 1940, Arnold Glatthard founded the world’s first mountaineering school in the Haslital. Today, mountain guiding is a profession recognised by the Federal Office for Vocational Education and Technology. To this day, the time-honoured mountain guide training programme continues, and alpine knowledge is passed down from generation to generation.

Traditions and customs

The history of the Haslital lives on to this day in its traditions. The descent from the mountain pastures, alpine festivals, traditional costumes, yodelling and regional craftsmanship are an integral part of cultural life. The Hasler dialect and numerous time-honoured customs also help to preserve the region’s identity.
The close connection to nature, the hospitality of the local people and the preservation of centuries-old traditions make the Haslital an authentic experience for locals and visitors alike.

The impressive Rosenlaui Glacier near Schattenhalb. A waterfall can be seen below the glacier.
© Switzerland Tourism. CC0 (OpenData)

The Haslital today

Today, the Haslital presents itself as a modern holiday region offering a unique combination of nature, history and active holidays. The local authorities are committed to sustainable tourism, the preservation of their cultural landscape and a diverse range of activities for families, walkers, winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.
Whether it’s historic sights, impressive mountain landscapes or living traditions – the Haslital combines its rich heritage with forward-looking development and ranks among the most attractive holiday regions in the Bernese Oberland.