Stockhorn

Stockhorn, a hikers mountain at the entrance of the Simmental

This almost Matterhorn like mountain stands between the Simmental valley and Lake Thun. The Stockhorn offers many hiking paths in all kinds of difficulty.

A cable car over the lake

From the scenic Simmental village of Erlenbach, the cable car takes you in two sections over Lake Hinterstocken to the summit. The south side affords views of the snow-covered high Alps, including the Eiger, Moench, Jungfrau and Bluemlisalp, while the panoramic viewing platform on the north side overlooks the Swiss plateau.

Looking down at the cable cars over Lake Hinterstocken

Highlight

Right next to the panorama restaurant, a tunnel leads through the mountain to the “Stockhorn eyes” and the spectacular, suspended viewing platform on the north face of the Stockhorn. Visitors will be stunned by the near-vertical 400 m view down through the glass floor, with the Aare valley and the city of Thun 1,500 m below. The whole site is accessible to prams and wheelchairs. Information boards explain the local geology and how the summit gallery was built.

Eating and drinking

The restaurant at the summit station offers a large sunny terrace. In winter, there are also sun-loungers with snugly warm sheepskin covers, so you can enjoy the winter sun. There is also a restaurant at the middle station Chrindi where the savoury afternoon snacks and delicious dessert creations are very popular after hiking tours.

Good to know

It is well worth to stop over at the middle station for a hike around Lake Hinterstocken, or even beyond to the hidden Lake Oberstocken. The latter is a bit further away but well worth the hike. Also in winter some hiking paths are made accessible. And there is an igloo where you can have fondue during the cold winter months.

Duration of the trip

Included is some time at the restaurant for drinks or a meal. For a hike add additional time according the length.

Season

Beginning May to mid November / mid December to end February

Just after sunset the Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau turn purple, seen from the Stockhorn