Hohwacht

Hohwacht is a lookout tower above the village of Reisiswil in the Swiss canton of Bern, standing on the Ghürn ridge. At roughly 780 m above sea level it is the highest point of the eastern Oberaargau, and the platform at the top opens a wide view over the Swiss Plateau. It suits anyone who wants a forest walk that ends with an Alpine panorama.

What is Hohwacht?

The name points to its past as a watch post. When French troops attacked Bern in 1798, the whole canton was alerted within three to four hours through a chain of signal fires lit on hilltops, and this hill belonged to that network. One source says the first tower was built of wood in 1886 and replaced by a concrete structure in 1911. Today's tower is about 20 m tall, although some descriptions give 21.5 m.

What can you see from the top?

On a clear day the view takes in the Napf, the Aare valley, the Jura ridges and the Alps beyond. The panorama board lists around 150 summits, from the Säntis to the Fribourg Alps. Right beside the tower stands Waldhaus Hochwacht, a woodland inn open on Sundays from Easter to the end of October, with other days possible by arrangement.

How do you get there?

Driving is easiest: free parking for about 20 cars sits at the forest edge, a short walk from the tower. The postal address is 4919 Reisiswil. On foot you have a few options:

• a loop from Melchnau via Rüppiswil and Ghürn, about 4 hours (roughly 13 km, 395 m of climbing),
• the route Melchnau – Hohwacht – Madiswil, about 8.5 km one way.

When should you visit?

The tower can be visited year-round, but the view depends on the weather. Crisp days in spring, autumn and winter, after a front has cleared the air, give the best Alpine visibility. To combine the climb with a meal at Waldhaus, plan for a Sunday between Easter and late October.

What else is worth knowing?

The surroundings are a quiet, wooded part of the Oberaargau bordering the Emmental. The tower works well as a midpoint on a longer hike from Melchnau towards Madiswil or Huttwil, and the modest climb makes it manageable for families.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Hohwacht? Above Reisiswil in canton Bern, on the Ghürn ridge at about 780 m. Coordinates are roughly 47.166 N, 7.833 E.

Can you drive close to the tower? Yes. A free car park for about 20 vehicles lies at the forest edge, and a short path leads to the tower.

How tall is the tower? About 20 m; some sources state 21.5 m.

Is there food nearby? Waldhaus Hochwacht next to the tower opens on Sundays from Easter to the end of October, and at other times on request.