Oberberghorn

Oberberghorn is a summit of roughly 2,069 m in the Bernese Alps, listed under Bönigen on Lake Brienz in the Interlaken region of canton Bern, Switzerland. It sits right beside Schynige Platte, one of the best-known viewpoints above Interlaken, and makes a short, scenic mountain outing.

Where is Oberberghorn?

The peak rises above the Lütschine valleys and Lake Brienz at the western end of the Schynige Platte ridge, at about 46.659° N, 7.914° E. Bönigen itself lies down on the lakeshore, several hundred metres below, so hikers start from the top of the Schynige Platte railway instead.

How do you get there?

Take the historic cogwheel train from Wilderswil, a short hop from Interlaken. The ride takes about 53 minutes each way. From the upper station you continue on foot. The swisstopo hiking map 254T Interlaken (1:50,000) covers the area.

Which route leads to the summit?

The standard loop is called "Surprise at the Oberberghorn". It covers about 6 km and takes around 2 hours 20 minutes. The stages are Schynige Platte, Tuba, Oberberghorn, Grätli, point 1910 m and back to Schynige Platte. Interlaken tourism lists the highest point of the tour at about 2,076 m. The ascent is graded T3, meaning a proper mountain trail, although the last stretch follows a well-secured path with wooden steps and walkways.

An alternative is the Panorama Trail from Schynige Platte via Oberberghorn, a loop of roughly 6.1 km and 2 hours 15 minutes. It passes the Daube viewpoint and the Loucherhorn and goes around the Oberberghorn.

What will you see?

• the Bernese Alps rising over the Lütschine valleys,
• Lake Brienz and the Interlaken basin far below,
• alpine pastures strewn with boulders, where marmots whistle along the path.

When should you go?

The Schynige Platte railway runs seasonally, usually from late spring to autumn, so plan the hike for summer or early autumn. Pick a clear day, because the views are the main reward. Sturdy shoes and a warm layer are standard for the route.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Oberberghorn? Wikiloc gives 2,069 m. The tour as described by Interlaken tourism reaches about 2,076 m.

Is the hike difficult? The loop is short and rated easy overall, but the ascent is T3. The final section is secured with steps and walkways.

How long does it take? Allow about 2 hours 15 to 20 minutes for the loop from Schynige Platte, without breaks.

Can you walk up from Bönigen? The summit belongs to the Bönigen area, but the usual start is Schynige Platte, reached by train from Wilderswil.