The classic among the Pre-Alpine high-altitude hikes

11.25 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Hiking Trail
  • 4:20 h
  • 11.25 km
  • 1,000 m
  • 301 m
  • 1,579 m
  • 2,140 m
  • 561 m
  • Start: Wasserscheide
  • Destination: Stockhorn

There are numerous hiking suggestions and reports about this hike available on the internet. Common to all is the mention of the panoramic view from Stockhorn, the fantastic view of the city of Thun with Lake Thun and the trio Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Little hard surface.

The path was created in the early 1970s and quickly became a classic among high-altitude hikes in Switzerland. What is well known and praised is correspondingly well frequented. As tempting as the descriptions of these hikes on the internet may sound, the view from Stockhorn must be earned with sweat. Starting from the hiking starting point at the Wasserscheide bus stop, the destination Stockhorn is specified. Following an alpine road, one ascends to the alpine farm Obernüne. This is the last opportunity to stop for refreshment before the Stockhorn summit restaurant. The ascent continues on a mountain path to Leiterepass. The deserved break is enriched by the view: the gaze sweeps north across the nearby elevations of Selibühl and Gurnigel, over the Central Plateau to the Jura. The towers on Chasseral, Ulmizberg, or Bantiger facilitate orientation. After a short descent, the high-altitude hike continues. To Oberi Walalp, one walks without major altitude differences. Stockhorn, Niesen, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau can be seen along stretches. The last section is tough. However, the view at the destination can make up for much effort: the Central Plateau and the Jura, the city of Thun, and Lake Thun lie at the viewer's feet. The gaze falls on countless mountain peaks. Those who prefer it leisurely can enjoy the view from the newly constructed platform. As a bonus, the summit offers a 360-degree view. A panorama board names the mountains. Filled with beautiful impressions, one can start the return journey.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Trail
Asphalt
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Wasserscheide - Leiterepass - Oberi Walalp - Baachegg – Stockhorn

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment: sturdy and waterproof mountain boots, a light to medium backpack, protection against cold, sun protection, hiking poles, first aid kit, snacks, tea in a thermos bottle, mobile phone.

Directions & Parking facilities

Arrival:

By BLS to Thurnen (or Schwarzenburg) and then by bus to Gurnigel, Wasserscheide

Return journey:

By cable car to Erlenbach im Simmental, then continue with BLS from Erlenbach station

Buy discounted hiking ticket online:

Hiking ticket Gurnigel - Stockhorn

Additional information

Bernese Hiking Trails Association, Bern, Tel.: 031 340 01 01, Email: info@beww.ch, Homepage: www.bernerwanderwege.ch

Literature

Hiking book panoramic hikes of the Bernese Hiking Trails

License (master data)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

A discounted hiking ticket is available for this hike: Hiking ticket Gurnigel - Stockhorn

Safety guidelines

This route runs entirely or partially on marked paths of the category mountain hiking trail

Map

Swisstopo hiking map 1:50,000 253T Gantrisch

Nearby

Arrival

The classic among the Pre-Alpine high-altitude hikes
3099 Rüeggisberg