Experience the breathtaking Stockhorn – a rocky head that immediately catches your eye and marks the entrance to the Bernese Oberland. Climb aboard the Stockhorn cable car and prepare for a spectacular 20-minute journey that will take you to a breathtaking view of the Alps. Once at the summit, breathtaking distant views and fresh mountain air await you. An unforgettable experience at any time of the year.
About the Stockhorn
The Stockhorn, one of the prominent mountain peaks near the city of Thun. The peak with 2190 meters above sea level is the highest mountain of the Stockhorn range and is located at the entrance to the Bernese Oberland.
This unique rock head is built from a vertical slab of rock, which gives it either a broad (stick) or more pointed (horn) shape, depending on your angle of view. On the panoramic viewing platform, located 400 meters above the valley floor, you have the unique opportunity to stand almost inside the vertical rock face. Opened in 2013, the panorama viewing platform, accessible via a 70-meter wheelchair-accessible tunnel through the rock, offers a fantastic view of Thun, Lake Thun, the Mittelland and, on a clear day, as far as the Jura, the Vosges and the Black Forest.
The Bernese Professor Johannes Müller was the first to climb to the summit in 1536. This adventure inspired him so much that he wrote a poem in Latin about his ascent, the “Stockhornias”, today part of “The Alpine Journal”.
These poems in turn triggered a wave of enthusiasm for mountaineering. Today, one can climb the Stockhorn far easier, from “the back” so to speak: on well-marked and prepared hiking and theme trails. Or even easier, by aerial cableway from Erlenbach in the Simmen Valley.
A special highlight of your visit to the Stockhorn is the ride with the cable car, which takes you in two sections over the Hinterstockensee to the summit. The magnificent view during the journey makes your excursion a wonderful one from the very beginning. So pack your camera and take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air.
Highlights on the Stockhorn
Stockhorn is a natural paradise, in every season. Here you can look forward to a variety of nature and mountain adventures as well as culinary delights. On a clear day, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the snow-covered high Alps, including the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Blüemlisalp.
The restaurant
Also for the culinary experience on the Stockhorn is provided with the panorama restaurant. With a breathtaking view of the Bernese Alps and the Stockhorn area, you can indulge in the delicacies. The restaurant is also barrier-free for wheelchair users and offers comfortable access and sufficient space. The sun terrace invites you to enjoy in summer, while in winter you will be warmed by the sheepskins on the deck chairs. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the legendary Stockhorn Brunch awaits you with a rich breakfast buffet. The brunch buffet is available from the first mountain ride until 11:00 am.
Hiking
In the Stockhorn area, there is a suitable hiking trail for every condition. Discover the beauty of the mountains on a challenging mountain tour or on a relaxing walk.
Visit the mountain lakes Oberstockensee and Hinterstockensee, which are located on the Simmental side near the summit. Hinterstockensee is located behind the middle station “Chrindi”, while Oberstockensee is to the west at the same altitude, but separated by a small ridge.
Enjoy a relaxing hike on the barrier-free “No Limits Lake – Circular Trail” around Hinterstockensee or take a more challenging tour along the Strüssligrat to experience the unique beauty of the Stockhorn area and the breathtaking panorama over the Swiss Alps.
Adventure
Experience an adventure on the Stockhorn! Let Outdoor Switzerland bungee jump you from 134 meters above the breathtaking Hinterstockensee into nothingness and experience an unforgettable adrenaline kick. But you can also explore the 13-kilometer-long Stockhorn range and its many climbing gardens for professionals. No matter if you decide for a jump into nothingness or for a challenging climbing tour, the Stockhorn area offers you a panorama and possibilities for unforgettable experiences.
In winter
With a visit to the igloo village at Hinterstockensee, adventure is guaranteed in winter. Here you can experience ice fishing, snow tubing and snowshoeing in a unique atmosphere. After an active day, the igloo bar welcomes you with a delicious cheese fondue and warming mulled wine. If you want to bring the flair home, you can learn how to build sturdy snow huts from fine crystals in the igloo building workshop.
Explore the snowy Stockhorn area with snowshoes, which can be rented for 25 CHF per day at the Chrindi middle station. There are four different snowshoe trails with varying degrees of difficulty that can be used individually or combined for a great snowshoe tour. Please note the status of the trails and the current avalanche danger level. It is recommended to carry an avalanche probe, an avalanche shovel and an avalanche transceiver.
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The Stockhornbahn
Since 1969, the Stockhorn cable car has connected the valley station in Erlenbach with the summit. Visitors enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside during the ride. The lift consists of two modern panoramic cabins for the first section and the legendary red gondola cabins for the section over Hinterstockensee.
The four-kilometer ride is an impressive experience that operates year-round. During the summer period from April to November the gondola runs daily, during the winter period from November to April it runs on certain days.
Learn more about the operating hours on the Stockhornbahn website.
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Good to Know
Accessible year round
- Summer season: Mid April to beginning of November
- Winter season: Mid November to beginning of March
Getting there
By train to “Erlenbach im Simmental”: From Bern just over one hour; from Thun 50 minutes; from Interlaken West approximately one hour; from Zweisimmen about 40 minutes and from Spiez 30 minutes. Then follow the signs up to the gondola – 10 to 15 walking time.
By car: Highway A6 via Bern to Wimmis and then direction Zweisimmen to “Erlenbach im Simmental”. There’s parking at the end of the village beneath the Stockhornbahn (free of charge).
Stockhorn events
The summit restaurant is a local favorite and known for its fine alpine cuisine. They organize Moonshine dinners, jazz concerts, dance evenings (from salsa to folklore),and National Day celebration on August 1st (if weather permitting, fabulous views to the fireworks in the area). Guided hiking tours and bungee jumping in summer. In winter the favorites are ice fishing and curling; snowshoeing and winter hiking; moonshine snowshoeing; ice sculpting and dinner events in the summit restaurant.
