Burlaja

Burlaja sits at 1,430m in the Hasliberg area of the Bernese Oberland, above the Meiringen valley. The hut lies on the popular Höhenweg trail that connects Meiringen with Guttannen. From Meiringen, take the cable car up to Hasliberg Rechen (1,600m), then hike west for about 1.5 hours following marked trails to reach the hut. Alternatively, approach from Guttannen via the Höhenweg, a 3-hour traverse that descends to Burlaja before continuing down-valley. Both routes offer steady, non-technical hiking through open alpine pastures and larch forests.

Burlaja operates as a simple, family-run alp hut serving hikers on the Höhenweg circuit. The hut provides meals and drinks, with a focus on local cheese and cured meats. Accommodation is basic but functional—mostly dormitory-style sleeping with a few smaller rooms. The hut sits on active summer pasture, so expect close contact with cattle grazing nearby. Capacity is around 30 beds. Opening runs from June through September, depending on snow melt and weather. There is no electricity supply; heating comes from wood stove and daylight through windows.

Book directly with the hut keeper ahead of peak season (July–August). The hut operates on a first-come, first-served basis during quieter periods. Access depends entirely on open pasture roads—late spring snowmelt or autumn storms can make the hut unreachable for brief periods, so confirm conditions before setting out. This is a genuine working alp hut, not a commercial mountain lodge, so expectations should match that reality.