Conquer one of Fribourg’s “teeth” | Strenuous return hike (T4)
The Dent de Brenleire is not as famous as the neighbouring Vanil Noir, but nevertheless a pretty return day walk — with fabulous views of the surrounding Fribourg Pre-Alps.
►Strenuous return hike | 6.7 km| 988 m ↑↓ | T4
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Practical info
Getting there & away
The Dent (“tooth”) de Brenleire is part of the Fribourg Prealps, in the Charmey region near Gruyères, Switzerland. The mountain is located within the Vanil Noir Nature Reserve (réserve naturelle du Vanil Noir).
The trail starts and ends at the Gros Mont parking area, located at the end of the small road in this pretty valley. There is no public transport.
►Directions to the Gros Mont parking area on Google maps
What to bring
You don’t need any special equipment to do this walk in summer or early autumn. You may need snowshoes or skis in winter and early spring. Whatever the season, be prepared for sudden changes in weather, take enough to eat and drink, and don’t forget sun protection.
Facilities
There are no restaurants, shelters or water on the hiking trail. There is a camping area near the car park. We bought cheese from the Brenleire Dessus chalet.
Dangers & annoyances
The trail has one dangerous section: an exposed ridge section with a cliff on one side. In 2016 a hiker slipped here and fell to her death. It was windy on the ridge the day we were there — strong enough to knock me and the kids off our feet a little. So please take care! I also wouldn’t want to be up there in a storm.
Additionally guard against:
- Sunburn
- Heat stroke/dehydration
Hiking trail info: Dent de Brenleire
The trail is clear, but not marked or signed. It’s not very difficult, although in addition to being exposed, the ridge up to the summit is steep.
Strenuous return hike
Gros Mont – Dent de Brenleire – Gros Mont
Highest point: 2,353 m (Dent de Brenleire summit)
Height gain: 988 m
Trail level: T4
Technical details: Steep and exposed in places; short rock scramble near the top
Return distance: 6.7 km
From the car park at Gros Mont, the hike climbs gently up through pastures past two summer dairy chalets – Brenleire Dessous and Brenleire Dessus. The trail then climbs steeply up to the ridge. This is the exposed part. You stay on the ridge all the way up to the peak. The return walk follows the same route.
Nearby mountain fun
Eating & sleeping
The closest hotels and restaurants are in the nearby towns of Jaun and Charmey.
Other hiking options
For other trails in the area, see SwissMobility.
Two trails of note are:
- The Gastlosen tour above Jaun
- The regional “78 Freiburger Vorlalpenweg” , which goes up the Gros Mont valley and past the Dent de Brenleire.