Guttannen

Guttannen is a municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It is located in the upper Hasli Valley.

Geography: Guttannen is situated in the Bernese Alps, surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. The Aare river originates in the area, fed by glacial meltwater. The municipality is known for its rugged terrain and alpine landscapes. It includes the settlement of Boden and numerous scattered hamlets and farmsteads.

History: The history of Guttannen is closely linked to the Grimsel Pass, an important historical trade route connecting the Bernese Oberland with the Valais. The village likely originated as a settlement providing services to travelers crossing the pass. The area's economy historically relied on agriculture, forestry, and some mining activities.

Demographics: Guttannen is a relatively small and sparsely populated municipality. The population has seen fluctuations throughout history, influenced by economic opportunities and migration patterns.

Economy: The economy of Guttannen is primarily based on tourism, agriculture (especially animal husbandry), and hydroelectric power generation. The Grimsel Hospiz, a historical hotel near the Grimsel Pass, is located within the municipality's borders. The Kraftwerke Oberhasli (KWO) operates several hydroelectric power plants in the area, significantly contributing to the local economy.

Transportation: Guttannen is accessible by road. Public transportation is provided by postal bus routes. The Grimsel Pass road, while historically important, is usually closed during the winter months due to snow conditions.

Points of Interest:

• Grimsel Pass: A scenic mountain pass with historical significance.
• Grimsel Hospiz: A historical hotel and restaurant near the Grimsel Pass.
• Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht): A narrow gorge carved by the Aare River. (While the Aare Gorge is closer to Meiringen, it's often visited by tourists staying in or passing through Guttannen.)
• Kraftwerke Oberhasli (KWO) power plants: Demonstrations and tours are sometimes available to learn about hydroelectric power generation.
• Hiking trails: Numerous hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Notable People:

• While no figures are universally known that were born or grew up in Guttannen, those living there have been employed in the KWO company, or operated the Grimsel Hospiz over the years are to be considered important in the recent history of the region.