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About this place
Stockhorn (2,190 m) is a peak of the Bernese Alps above Stocken-Höfen, rising between the Simmental valley and Lake Thun in the Swiss canton of Bern. It stands north of Erlenbach im Simmental and counts among the easiest mountain viewpoints in the region, because a cable car carries you almost to the top.
What is the Stockhorn?
The mountain belongs to the western Alps and dominates the Bernese Oberland landscape at 2,190 metres. Its first known ascent is credited to Benedikt Marti of Bern, known as Aretius, who studied plants here in 1558 and compiled a list of the species he identified. Hikers can also approach the summit from the Martischipfa and Stockhorn-Biwak huts.
How do you get to the top?
Board the Stockhornbahn in Erlenbach im Simmental. The ride has two stages. Modern panoramic cabins take you to the Chrindi mid-station, and the classic red gondolas continue to the summit, passing over the Hinterstockensee lake. The whole trip takes about 20 minutes. Erlenbach is reachable by train or car from Thun and the surrounding area.
What can you see from the summit?
The viewing terrace overlooks more than 200 peaks. On a clear day your eye travels over the town of Thun, Lake Thun and the Mittelland plateau to the Jura range. Bring sunglasses and a warm layer: it is windy and noticeably colder up here than in the valley.
Where can you walk?
From Chrindi, the Hinterstockensee is a walk of just a few minutes. The mirror-calm Oberstockensee takes about 40 minutes on foot. You can also follow a loop around Hinterstocken from the mid-station. The "No Limits" circular trail is closed in winter, so check conditions before setting out.
When should you go?
The cable car runs in the summer season; for 2026 the listed operating period was 11 April to 22 November. Timetables can change, so confirm on the operator's website before you travel. Visibility is best on cloudless days, ideally in the morning before clouds build over the mountains. Outside the main season, expect occasional maintenance closures.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Stockhorn?
The summit is 2,190 metres above sea level.
How long is the cable car ride?
About 20 minutes from Erlenbach im Simmental, with a change at Chrindi.
Can I reach the lakes without a hard climb?
Yes. Hinterstockensee is about 5 minutes from Chrindi station, and Oberstockensee is a walk of roughly 40 minutes.
Is this the same Stockhorn as the one above Zermatt?
No. This peak is in the canton of Bern, above Erlenbach and Thun. The mountain of the same name in Valais, above Zermatt, is a different place.
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