Habkern walks

Park at the starting point of this circuit and begin the ascent to the Augstmatthorn immediately, following the signs. The terrain can be very slippery, even impassable, after or during rain.

Four-day panoramic tour around Lake Thun. This route offers numerous views of the lake and the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. In good weather, you can see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the Schreckhorn. You will also discover the charm of the towns along the way. Interlaken, at the eastern end of Lake Thun, is the starting point for this itinerary.

The cosmopolitan town of Interlaken is the starting point for this tour of Lake Thun. You can admire the three famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. This beautiful route follows the northern shore of the lake. You will overlook the lake near the Saint Béat caves, then cross the pretty village of Merligen. You will enjoy beautiful views of both the lake and peaks such as the Niederhorn and Rothorn in Sigriswil.

The Faulhorn rises to an altitude of 2,680 metres. It offers a 360-degree view of the Alps, with some peaks over 4,000 metres high, such as the Grosses-Fiescherhorn. The two main access points to the Folhorn are via the Schynige Platte or First. However, with good logistics (see practical information), it is also possible to make a one-way trip and return by public transport. The hike is a gradual climb, but offers splendid views of the first Alpine glaciers and other peaks in the surrounding area. There are restaurants where you can eat and take a break in pleasant surroundings.

This second stage begins with a highlight: crossing the panoramic bridge at Sigriswil. At 340 metres long and suspended 180 metres above the Guntebach Gorge, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama. The route overlooks the lake for a long time before descending to the town of Thun. This town has many historic buildings. A visit to the historic centre is a must.

This first stage will take you from Spiez to the shores of Lake Thun and the small valley of Kiental. After following the lake to Faulensee, the climb to Aeschi offers views of the pyramid-shaped Niesen mountain overlooking Spiez. You will also be impressed by the steep funicular railway that climbs up to the Niesen. You will enjoy the tranquillity of the village of Kiental.

A magnificent route starting from Lake Thun in the canton of Bern and ending at the pretty spa resort of Leukerbad in Valais. You will cross the Lötsche Glacier and the Lötsche Pass (the highest point of the hike), which marks the border between the cantons of Bern and Valais. This route offers numerous views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland and Valais.

For this fourth stage, you will once again enjoy the lakeside on the Strandweg. The walk along the lake from Spiez to Faulensee is magnificent. The route then climbs from Kratttigen to Meielisalp. You will enjoy numerous views of the lake and have another opportunity to cross the 140-metre-long Leissigen bridge, suspended 60 metres above the Spissibach Gorge.

For this third stage, after following the Aare, you will return to the shores of Lake Thun, passing the magnificent Schadau Castle. Climb up the Strättlig hill for panoramic views of the lake. Before descending to Spiez, cross the Kander Gorge via the Strättligsteg suspension bridge. You will arrive in Spiez via its vineyards and castle. This charming village lives peacefully around its marina.

This stage will take you from Langnau im Emmental to Münsingen. Starting from the Emme Valley, you will descend towards the Aare Valley. The route offers more panoramic views, particularly at Blasenfluh, the highest point of the day. Despite the loss of altitude, there is enough distance to still see the giants of the Bernese Alps.

This second stage will take you from Kiental to Kandersteg. After a fairly challenging climb to Ramslauenen, you will cross the beautiful Horewald forest and then overlook the Kander valley. You will enjoy more views of Lake Thun and the Niesen. You will also have a bird's eye view of the trains on the Lötschberg line. Kandersteg is the station where vehicles board the shuttle trains before the Lötschberg railway tunnel.

This stage will take you from Napf to Lüderenalp. You will follow a scenic trail with a variety of landscapes. You will alternate between woods and the alpine pastures of the Emmental, a valley renowned for its cheese. Lüderenalp, like Napf, is very popular with holidaymakers. Here again, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Jura and the Bernese Alps.

Starting from Erlenbach and after a cable car ride to Chrindi, this tour will take you to the summit of the Stockhorn, at an altitude of 2,190 metres, passing two beautiful lakes on the way. Once at the top, you can admire both lakes at the same time.

This stage will take you from Lüderenalp to Langnau im Emmental. Langnau is in the heart of this valley famous for its cheese with holes. The route follows a ridge with alternating panoramic views of the Bernese Alps and alpine pastures. In good weather, you will see famous peaks such as the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau.

This stage will take you from Münsingen to Rüeggisberg. The route offers several panoramic views of famous peaks: the Mönch, the Eiger and the Jungfrau, as well as Lake Thun. You will enjoy the peaceful village of Rüeggisberg and admire the remains of its former monastery.

This third stage will take you from Kandersteg to the hamlet of Selde. The Kander river will accompany you throughout this beautiful route. Calm from Kandersteg to Eggeschwand, the Kander can be heard as you climb up through the gorges, where you can enjoy the various waterfalls and cascades. You will then follow it more peacefully through the wide Gastertal valley to Selde.

After a night at the summit of Mount Pilatus and a last look at the Bernese Alps, you will descend towards the Alpenpanorama Weg. Before reaching the Petite Emme valley, you will have several more opportunities to admire the Pilatus massif.

This short stage will take you from Malters to Wolhusen. You will walk along the banks of the Petite Emme before arriving in Werthenstein. At the entrance to this village, you can admire the imposing cloister, a major pilgrimage site on the Via Jacobi.

For this fourth stage, you will follow the Via Alpina to Lenk. At the Hahnenmoospass, you can enjoy views of the Wildstrubel and Wildhorn mountains and the Plaine Morte glacier. A long descent will take you to the peaceful village of Lenk in the Simme Valley.