Meeting point
Interlaken Ost Train Station
Bahnhof Interlaken Ost, 3800 Interlaken
Hike to Augstmatthorn
1 day
Challenging hike on a narrow ridge
Good chances of seeing ibex
Panoramic views of Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps
Season:
June October
Departure Times
08:00
Interlaken Ost train station
Key info
Experienced mountain hiker
Sure-footed and free from vertigo
At least 8 hours of hiking with a backpack
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.
Experience a challenging ridge hike with breathtaking views and a good chance of encountering ibex.
This hike takes you over the spectacular Hardergrat to Augstmatthorn. The path is narrow, the views are impressive, and the ascents are demanding. With a bit of luck, a herd of ibex might cross your path. After the summit, the descent leads through meadows and forests to Habkern.
Itinerary
Meeting points Distance
14 km
Ascent
+1000 m
Descent
-1100 m
Walking time
8 hrs
Arrival
The meeting point is at Interlaken Ost train station. From there, the train takes us up to Harder Kulm at 1,305 m above sea level, where the hike begins.
Hiking
We ascend through dense mountain forest until we catch our first glimpses of the turquoise Lake Brienz. The forest clears, the ridge narrows, and the view sweeps across the Bernese Oberland. The route follows the Hardergrat, initially gently rising, then becoming steeper. With views of the mountain village of Habkern on the left and Lake Brienz on the right, we reach the Suggiture (2,084 m above sea level). From here, it's only a few minutes to Augstmatthorn (2,136 m above sea level), one of the most striking points of the ridge.
Summit
A rest at the summit offers the chance to enjoy the view and, with a bit of luck, observe a herd of ibex.
Descent
The descent leads over a mountain ridge down to Habkern. The path winds through alpine meadows and light forests to the bus stop, from where the bus takes us back to Interlaken.
Whats included
Guiding from a licenced hiking guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Not included
Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)
Pack list
Backpack
Backpack 20-25 l
Clothing
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Beanie or headband
Footwear
Hiking boots or mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Trekking pole (optional)
Basics
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks
Weather info
General weather info
Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.
Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.
For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog
Meeting points
Meeting points
Activity location