Brienzer Rothorn: Ibex Trek

Route

Hiking Trail

Length

21.8 km

Travel time

7 ½ h

Steinböcke oberhalb des Brienzersees
Photo: UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch, CC BY, Maurin Bisig

Steinböcke hautnah erleben auf dem Steinbock-Trek
Photo: UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch, CC BY, Maurin Bisig

Über die schroffen Grate auf das Brienzer Rothorn
Photo: UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch, CC BY, Maurin Bisig

Entspannung beim Fischerparadies Eisee
Photo: UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch, CC BY, Maurin Bisig

Steinbock Kolonie auf dem Brienzer Rothorn
Photo: Sörenberg Flühli Tourismus, CC BY-ND, Fotograf: Maurin Bisig

An amazing ridge walk with incredible vistas!

Steep cliffs, rugged ridges, scree slopes and rock-strewn alpine pastures – the two-day Ibex Trek in the Sörenberg region passes through beautiful scenery: habitat of the ibex, past masters of survival in high mountain regions. You also get to experience warm hospitality. After climbing from the Rossweid to the Lattgässli, the spectacular ridge path leads to the summit of the Brienzer Rothorn and its enchanting 360° panoramic views. Deep down in the valley lies turquoise blue Lake Brienz, while the vintage steam train huffs and puffs its way up and down the mountain from the Bernese side. Occupying the background is the mighty chain of the snow-covered Swiss Alps. These are panoramic views that accompany you on day two of the Ibex Trek as you return to Sörenberg via the Eisee Saddle and Arnihaaggen. But before that, you can expect a very special experience: a restful night in the cosy Eisee refuge, where you can recharge your batteries in readiness for the following day.

After breakfast, you follow the signs to the Eisee Saddle, where you can see the morning's fresh milk descend in a hoist from the alp down to the dairy. Ibex are often to be seen among the steep scree slopes along the path. This continues to the Arnihaaggen, which – after a short ascent – you leave behind. The descent crosses interesting slate structures. Superb panoramic views of the Bernese Alps and Lake Brienz can be seen up to the cairn installation shortly before the Schönbüel refuge. You then return to Sörenberg via Schönbüel, Fontanen and the Jänzimatt. Alternatively, take the PostBus from the Glaubenbielen Pass to Sörenberg, but note that the service is infrequent.

Nature-lovers are in their element on the Brienzer Rothorn. Once hunted to extinction, the ibex was reintroduced here and elsewhere one hundred years ago. The colony has since blossomed. Due to the region's proximity to the Augstmatthorn conservation area, ibex can be observed here, as well as chamois, and golden eagles rising on the thermals.

Technical details

Tour type: Hiking Trail
Starting point: Sörenberg, lower terminus of the Rossweid aerial cableway
Point of arrival: Sörenberg, lower terminus of the Brienzer Rothorn aerial cableway
Difficulty: Medium
Condition: 4 / 6
Ascent: 1180 m
Descent: 1486 m
Best Time of Year: June, July, August, September, October
Directions: Rossweid - Blattenegg - Lättgässli - Brienzer Rothorn - Eisee - Eiseesattel - Arnihaaggen - Schönbüel - Fontanen - Jänzimatt - Sörenberg
Safety information: Surefootedness is a must for this outing.
Equipment: Appropriate footwear and fitness are a must. Binoculars and food/drink highly recommended.
Author’s advice: Make sure you pack your binoculars for this outing! The best times to see wildlife are at dawn and dusk.
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Click on the altitude profile

Good to know

Parking: Free parking available at the lower terminus of the Rossweid aerial cableway.
Accessible by bus and train: Yes
Public transport: Train to Schüpfheim, then PostBus to "Sörenberg, Post".
Further information & links: Berghaus Eisee
6174 Sörenberg
Tel. +41 (0)33 951 40 14
Email eisee@soerenberg.ch
www.steinbock-trek.ch