Hinterstockensee

Hinterstockensee is a small mountain lake in the municipality of Erlenbach im Simmental, Canton of Bern, set beneath the Stockhorn and close to its sister lake, Oberstockensee. It sits on one of the best-known walking routes in the Bernese Alps and works well for visitors who want alpine scenery and a lakeside stop without a long climb.

How do you get to Hinterstockensee?

Start in Erlenbach im Simmental, where the Stockhornbahn cable car departs. It carries you up to the middle station, Chrindi. From there a short path leads to the water, roughly a 15 to 30 minute stroll depending on pace. The operator can be reached on +41 33 681 21 81 if you want to confirm timetables before travelling.

What will you see?

Alpine meadows and spruce forest frame the lake, and the Stockhorn massif rises above it to 2,190 m. A small waterfall beside the bridge makes a pleasant pause. Rainbow trout live in the lake, so it attracts anglers. Higher on the mountain, views stretch from Lake Thun to the Jura.

Which routes start here?

• Lake loop. Walking around the shore takes about 45 minutes. The path from Chrindi takes about 40 minutes and, according to tourist information, is also suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
• Classic descent from the Stockhorn. The route Stockhorn, Oberstockenalp, Hinterstockensee, Chrindi covers about 3.4 km in roughly 1 hour 10 minutes, dropping around 545 m through open forest and karst fields.
• Longer summit hike. From Chrindi past both lakes to the Stockhorn is around 8.6 km with about 636 m of ascent, and takes close to 4 hours 15 minutes.

When should you go?

Hiking season around the Stockhorn runs roughly from June to October, when trails are usually clear of snow. Bring sturdy boots, rain gear and enough water, as mountain weather changes quickly.

Where can you eat?

A restaurant at the Chrindi station serves meals, convenient before taking the cable car back down to Erlenbach.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hinterstockensee the same as Oberstockensee? No. They are two separate lakes below the Stockhorn. Hinterstockensee lies lower, nearer Chrindi, and the summit trail passes both.

How long is the walk around the lake? The shore loop takes about 45 minutes, and the approach from Chrindi is around 40 minutes depending on the route.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. The path from Chrindi is easy and, per tourist information, passable with pushchairs.

Can you fish in the lake? Rainbow trout live there and the lake is popular with anglers. Check local rules and permits first.