NIEDERHORN – BURGFELDSTAND – GEMMENALPHORN – HABKERN

The hiking trail Niederhorn to Gemmenalphorn received a gold medal for the most beautiful hiking trail in Switzerland.
The view of the Lake is best when you hike from the station past the Berghaus along the ridge upwards. This short detour takes 5 minutes and is worth it as it offers splendid views of the lake from Spiez all the way to Thun, which is not possible anymore further on.
After around 15 minutes you will reach the Hohseil-Lake where you can spot salamander and enjoy the mountains reflecting on the surface. Until here the trail is flat and easy, then it starts to climb up to Burgfeldstand (highest point of the hike) where you have wonderful panoramic views. Eagles and bearded vultures circle here and you will meet mountain goats or deer further down. From Burgfeldstand to Gemmenalphorn is ibex and snow grouse country. Between May and June you will find lots of flowers here: crocus, edelweiss, männertreu—please don’t touch them, they are protected mountain flowers. On the Gemmenalphorn you have a clear view on to the Sieben Hengste, the Hogant and of the Seefeld region. Now it ‘s a steep descent to Seefeld Oberberg past the karst area – if you are interested leave the marked path and go east along the huts to the karst fields (15 min each way). Afterwards the trail will lead you through the alpine pastures of Schwendli and Chromatte into the shady forest. Coming out of the forest you will see the first settlements of Habkern. In the village you can get something to eat and catch the bus back to Interlaken.

Starting point: Niederhorn station
Finishing point: Habkern
Hiking time: 3 hours 45 min (1 hour 30 min to Gemmenalphorn)
Hiking time return: 4 hours 40 min
Distance: 10.7km
Difference in altitude: 1200m
Best time of year: June/July - October/November