Looking for adventure and breathtaking views? Then pack your hiking boots and get ready to climb the Sigriswiler Rothorn! This mountain offers not only a beautiful sight, but also a physical and technical challenge. But that’s just the beginning – also discover the mysterious sheep hole with interesting history to explore. Let yourself be enchanted by this hike that you won’t soon forget!
About the Sigriswiler Rothorn
Sigriswiler Rothorn, an imposing mountain with an altitude of 2051 meters, is a popular destination for mountain hikers. With its two peaks separated by an even saddle, it offers breathtaking views over the Bernese Oberland and far into the Jura Mountains.
The easier path to the summit passes through the SW side of the mountain, which is characterized by wild cart fields. Other sides of the mountain consist of steep to vertical rock faces.
Those who want to explore the caves on the Justistal side should visit the Schafloch and Gemschloch. Through the military tunnel in the Schafloch you can reach the northwest side of the Sigriswiler Rothorn and enjoy a unique view.
Route description: Sigriswiler Rothorn hike
| Distance | 11.6km (7.2 miles) |
| Duration | 4h 45min |
| Elevation Change | 1100m ascent / 1100m descent |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Start & End Of the Trail | Säge near Schwanden (round hike) |
| Season | June to October |
Your journey begins in the small hamlet of Säge (a hamlet is a residential settlement consisting of a few buildings, much smaller than a village), just after Schwanden. Follow the sign in the direction of Stampf and march past the Stampf water reservoir and across the green alpine meadows to the Stampf alpine hut.
Then continue through shady woods and green meadows to the alp “Oberi Matte”.
You will hike through an imposing forest of red firs until you reach the Zettenalp saddle. Here you leave the hilly landscape and start the steep ascent to the Sigriswil ridge. On the way to the summit of the Rothorn, at 2051 m, you have a magnificent view of the Bernese Alps and far into the Jura.
The descent leads you first to the picturesquely situated Alp Oberbärgli and then, following the sign “Bodmi Stampf Schwanden”, downhill to Alp Bodmi, Alp Stampf and finally back to the starting point Säge in Schwanden.
Difficulty of the hike
A challenging mountain tour that is both physically and technically demanding. The path is often very steep and marked with a caution warning at an almost vertical spot, which is secured with ropes. We recommend walking the loop clockwise as described because it is slightly easier than walking in the opposite direction.
How to get there
By bus
From Interlaken West or Thun by STI bus to Schwanden Sagi.
By car
- From Thun, continue to Gunten, then to Sigriswil and finally to Schwanden.
- From Interlaken, drive along the lake to Gunten and continue to Schwanden.
- There is some free parking at the bus stop.
The sheep hole
The sheep hole – a truly unusual experience! This natural cave in the Sigriswilergrat offers hikers the possibility to cross the Sigriswiler Rothorn. Formerly an ice cave, the cave is now damp but without ice. During active service, the cave, which is about 600 meters long, was developed as a connecting and logistical tunnel. Defense facilities and weapon stands were built at both ends, and cable cars were installed to transport materials. The remains of these structures can still be seen today. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, but it is at your own risk. Good shoes and a flashlight are essential. Caution is advised, but the adventurous will be rewarded!
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Conclusion
The Sigriswiler Rothorn offers hikers a demanding but rewarding challenge. The circumnavigation of the mountain leads through wild cart fields and past steep rock faces. A special highlight is the Schafloch, a former ice cave, which today is a military tunnel leading through the mountain. To explore the Sigriswiler Rothorn, hikers need good physical and technical skills as well as suitable equipment, including sturdy shoes. Despite the challenges, the round hike to the Sigriswiler Rothorn is an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers.
