Niederhorn – Vorsass
1 hour 15 min
Starting point: Niederhorn station
Finishing point: Middle station Vorsass
Hiking point: 1hours 15min
Distance: 3,2 km
Difference in altitude: 370 m
”Elevation profile”
You start at the Niederhorn station and finish at the middle station Vorsass. Inbetween awaits you the clear views onto the snowy alpine world and Lake Thun.
After arriving on the Niederhorn by cable car you are best to start your hike with a visit to the summit. The fantastic panorama reaches from the Justistal over Lake Thun to the 3 peaks Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The first part of the hike is slightly steep and runs above the tree line. The trail gets flatter at «Himmelkehr» just before the forest. Snowcapped trees are lining the trail and with some luck you can spot an eagle. At Flösch you can relax by the 2 huts on a bench in the sunshine and enjoy the fantastic view. From here on the trail leads through the snow covered forest with high fir trees which protect you from the wind. As soon as you leave the forest you will see the restaurant Vorsass, which is located close to the middle station. Please keep in mind that this trail also gets used by sledgers.
Vorsass – Bodenalp – Beatenberg Station
1 hour 30 min
Starting point: Middle station Vorsass
Finishing point: Beatenberg station
Hiking time: 1 hour 30min
Distance: 5,8 km
Difference in altitude: 440 m
”Elevation profile”
An easy hike for all. From Vorsass the trail leads into a snow covered forest where it is possible to see deer or mountain goats in search of food.
Until Bodenalp it’s a slight descent on wide paths. After Bodenalp the trail continues through the forest. At Haberelegi the forest opens up and you can enjoy a clear view over Lake Thun across to the Niesen and the Kander valley.
Now you are already halfway and the best part of the hike begins with breathtaking views. It is possible to see deer or mountain goats here at dusk. This leads on to short parts of forest and open pastures until you reach the first houses of Beatenberg.
Niederhorn – Hohwald – Waldegg
3 hours
Starting point: Niederhorn station
Finishing point: Car park Waldegg
Hikinh time: 3 hours
Distance: 9,8 km
Difference in altitude: 730 m
”Elevation profile”
This is the longest and most attractive winter hiking trail on the Niederhorn. At 1950 m above sea level you hike on flat and well prepared paths along the ridge towards Burgfeld, with a stunning panorama on each side.
This hike is also suitable for people not used to hiking. The snow groomers prepare this trail on a regular basis. On the ridge the stunning views are stretching out into the distance. The Justistal is on the left and the well known Bernese alps above Lake Thun are on the right. The small snow covered fir tree forest looks almost magical in these surroundings.
After a short and steep descent the trail starts to climb up to the Oberburgfeld hut (with open toilet). There are benches on the southside to sit and enjoy. You are above the tree line and the views are superb, so take your time. After this little break you hike on a slightly sloping trail, encountering the first trees and then hike for a short time through the snow covered forest.
At Burgfeld Unterberg there is another hut with an open toilet. You made it half way! From here you can see the village of Waldegg and on to Interlaken and Wilderswil. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rise into the sky. From here you hike on a flat path through the forest until Chüematte, where one of the offers refreshments on fairweather Sundays. You can get more information about it at Beatenberg station or you can call +41 (0)33 841 08 41 (Niederhornbahn AG).
From Chüematte the trail leads down to the ski lift at Hohwald station. The steeper descent to Beatenberg is compensated by the view onto Lake Thun and the Niesen. At the village Waldegg you have almost reached the end of the hike. Here you can find restaurants or bus connections to Beatenberg station or Interlaken West.
Beatenberg Station – Riedboden – Bodenalp – Rischeren – Waldegg
3 hours
Starting point: Beatenberg station
Finishing point: Car park Waldegg
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: 10 km
Difference in altitude: 400m (descent) / 240m (ascent)
”Elevation profile”
This trail offers a fabulous view and stillness to recharge your batteries. From Beatenberg station hike on the main road westwards. After 150 m the road forks and at the hairpin curve follow the signs to restaurant Riedboden and further up to Bodenalp. Early in the morning mountain goats sometimes show up at the tree line.
At Bodenalp 1365 m above sea level, the hiking trail crosses the cables of the Niederhorn-railway high above the hiking trail for third and last time. You hike past the Bodenalp hut on the winter hiking trail, which also serves as a cross country ski track, towards Spirenwald. The trail weaves up and down. Just like an eagle you can enjoy the view through the forest clearing over Beatenberg and onto Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. After about two thirds of the way the cragged «Birefluh» shows up high above you. The wild and romantic atmosphere and the prominent rock with its pear shape form stay with you across the plateau and further on to the foot of the Riescherental. After crossing the Sundgraben the trail turns around and the view opens up over Lake Thun and the Niesen. The last meters lead down to the bus stop «Waldegg» where the bus no. 101 takes you to Interlaken or Beatenberg station.
A Niederhorn – Vorsass