Gastlosen

The Gastlosen form a ridge of pale limestone spires and walls running for several kilometres along the border between Fribourg and Bern, and they stand out because everything around them is rounded green pre-Alp - the rock here is harder and was thrust up into a line of towers with vertical faces, which is why the comparison to the Dolomites gets made locally. They are a significant climbing area with routes of all grades and a via ferrata. A walking path runs the length of the ridge below the faces, about five hours from Jaun round to Abländschen, with the towers overhead the whole way. The Wolfshöhle cave and several alp dairies are on the route.

What you actually see

• A line of limestone towers - vertical faces in otherwise rounded country.
• A ridge traverse below the walls - about five hours Jaun to Abländschen.
• Climbing routes and a via ferrata - the main rock area of the Fribourg Alps.
• Alp dairies on the path - cheese sold at the door in summer.

When to go

June to October. A day for the traverse.

Honest expectations

The traverse is long with real ascent, and transport at the far end needs planning. The chairlift from Jaun is seasonal. Weather changes fast against the wall. The via ferrata needs proper equipment.

Nearby

Jaun and its waterfall are below; Charmey and Gruyere country are west.