Tschingel

Tschingel is a rounded summit above Axalp, a high alpine plateau in the municipality of Brienz (canton of Bern, Switzerland). It belongs to the Bernese Pre-Alps north of the main Bernese Alps and, together with Axalpburg and Axalphorn, forms the upper rim of the Axalp pastures. Do not confuse it with the Tschingelhorn in the Jungfrau area, which is a different mountain altogether.

Where is Tschingel and what does the name mean?

The peak rises above the Axalp shelf, which sits at about 1,535 m above Lake Brienz. Historically, "Axalp" named the high pastures on the northern slopes of Axalpburg, Tschingel and Axalphorn, roughly between 1,500 and 1,900 m. Next door lies the Tschingelfeld alpine cooperative, spanning about 1,620 to 2,100 m. In central Swiss place names, "Tschingel" originally describes a horizontal rock band, which is why the word appears on so many peaks and pastures.

How hard is it to reach the top?

The summit is a broad, flat dome and needs no climbing skills. A popular circuit, Axalp – Chüemad – Axalphorn – Urserli – Axalp, covers about 9.5 km with 860 m of ascent and tops out at 2,241 m. Allow around 4 hours 10 minutes. The route crosses Tschingel terrain. A narrow road climbs to Axalp from Brienz, and seasonal transport runs in summer.

What can you see from up there?

The higher ground opens views over Lake Brienz, Interlaken and the Bernese Alps, with the Brienzer Rothorn ridge to the southeast. Grazing slopes fall away toward Axalp.

Why is it crowded in October?

A slope of Tschingel hosts one of the three official spectator areas for the Axalp Fliegerschiessen, alongside Brau and Ebenflüh KP. This is the Swiss Air Force's annual live-fire exercise, open to the public each October. The Axalp-Ebenflüh range has existed since 1942. The Tschingel area lies at around 2,200 m and is the largest of the three. Outside show days, parts of the terrain near the range can be closed, so check notices before you set out.

When should you go?

Hiking is best from June to October, once the pastures are clear of snow. Choose a clear day, since the panorama is the main reward. On air-show days, road access and parking are limited, so arrive early or walk up from Brienz.

FAQ

Is Tschingel the same as the Tschingelhorn? No. The Tschingelhorn is in the Bernese Alps on the Valais–Bern border; Tschingel above Axalp is a Pre-Alpine dome above Lake Brienz.

Do I need climbing gear? No. The top is flat and reachable in ordinary hiking boots.

Where does the trail start? In Axalp, at about 1,535 m, reached from Brienz.

When is the air show? Every October; the Swiss Air Force publishes exact dates.