Schafloch

Schafloch is a natural cave tunnel running through the Sigriswilergrat ridge above Lake Thun, in the municipality of Sigriswil (canton of Bern, Switzerland). Hikers can walk straight through it, which makes it one of the more unusual stops on trails in the Bernese Oberland.

What is the Schafloch?

It is a rock passage cutting through the ridge beneath the Sigriswiler Rothorn. It is not a developed show cave with lighting and a ticket desk. It is a wild mountain crossing used by walkers around the Justistal valley. The interior is dark and gently curved, so a light source is essential.

How do you get to the Schafloch?

Most routes begin high above Lake Thun, in the Justistal. From Sigriswil village you follow the narrow Justistalstrasse, which forks after roughly a quarter of an hour by car. From there, route descriptions put the walk to the entrance at a little over an hour.

The second common option starts at the Schwanden Sagi car park and climbs via the Zettenalp pasture. The tunnel entrance sits at map point 1811. The cave is often combined with a longer loop up the Sigriswiler Rothorn, a tour also promoted by the Interlaken tourism board.

What should you bring?

• A headlamp or a strong torch, as there is no lighting inside.
• Shoes with a solid grip, since the floor can turn slippery in rain or snow.
• An extra warm layer, because the rock keeps the passage cooler than the open slopes.

What do you see on the other side?

The eastern exit opens onto the Justistal valley and the peaks of the Bernese Alps. The contrast between the dark passage and the sudden wide view is the main reason walkers build the tunnel into their day.

What is its history?

The later Swiss general Guillaume-Henri Dufour visited the cave on 5 September 1822 and published an account of it. Engineers from Bern surveyed it in 1884. During the Second World War the Swiss army turned it into a defensive position, with blocking positions and ammunition stores at both ends. Remains of these works add a historical layer to the crossing.

When should you go?

Plan the hike for the snow-free months, generally late spring to autumn, in settled weather. Early in the season and after rain, check trail conditions: snow patches can linger higher up and the tunnel floor gets slick.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a torch for the Schafloch?

Yes. The tunnel has no lights and is slightly curved, so moving through safely without a headlamp is difficult.

Where is the easiest place to start?

The two usual options are the Justistal valley, reached from Sigriswil along the Justistalstrasse, and the Schwanden Sagi car park with an ascent via Zettenalp.

Is it a cave known for cave bear finds?

The sources give no confirmation of that. The Schafloch is known mainly as a walk-through passage and a former military position, not as a paleontological site.

Can I combine it with a summit?

Yes. The Schafloch often forms part of the route to the Sigriswiler Rothorn, where the tunnel is a memorable highlight.