We were slightly confused then, as we showed up overdressed for the funicular and cable-car ride from Beatenbucht/Beatenberg (very popular for skiing as well) that there was almost no snow on these South-facing slopes and once arrived at the top, there was no fresh snow but rather it had melted and frozen overnight and made walking very very tricky.
No denying the views were stunning, especially as we walking North along the ridge where you look down steep cliff walls into the Justis Valley to the West, and of course the always magnificent panorama of the Bernese Alps just to the South of Lake Thun (Mount Niesen and the Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau trio).
At higher altitudes the several steep portions of the trail were like skiing on the soles of the hiking boots, and lower down as the snow got softer, it was still like skiing on the soles of the hiking boots, and really rather strenuous.
The last day of 2017 was a beautiful one, although the hike itself (10 km, took us 3.5 hours) wasn't one of my favourites. Maybe in summer or if the snow hadn't been slippery.... but we also sadly underestimated the popularity of this area and it was standing-room only for the 30-minute bus rides in both directions, as well as long waits on the cable car up to the summit.....
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| First you take a funicular from Beatenbucht on Lake Thun to Beatenberg, then a cableway to the summit of Mount Niederhorn. For the way back, it was a very crowded bus ride from Waldegg to Interlaken. |
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| Beatenberg Funicular from Lake Thun. In the background is the distinctive pyramid-shaped Mount Niesen. |
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| From Beatenberg a cable-way takes you up to the summit. We were rather surprised at the lack of snow.... |
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| At the summit of Mount Niederhorn: Below, Interlaken has disappeared in the fog. Ahead, the famous Bernese Trio: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau |
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| At the summit, we first checked out the view in all directions before starting on our walk. This view is Southwest across Lake Thun. |
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| And a couple of steps right to the edge to look straight down on Lake Thun |
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| The Justis Valley is right to the West of Mount Niederhorn. This view North across this stunning valley was maybe my favourite view of the day. |
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| This saddle crossing into the Emmental is one I plan to hike in the summer. |
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| View South into the Frutig Valley |
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| Looking backwards to the starting point of our hike, the tower at the summit of Mount Niederhorn. To the right is a "very secure" barrier to prevent slipping into the canyon below... |
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| One slip on the icy snow and it's a quick slide into the canyon! |
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| Looking down into the Justis Valley |
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| "It is forbidden to pick the flowers" |
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| Eiger North Wall, Mount Mönch, and Mount Jungfrau in the background. (On the saddle between Mönch and Jungfrau is an observatory called "Top of Europe" and a VERY popular tourist destination) |
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| Even though the snow was slippery in the steeper spots, we could not complain about the view! |
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| Last stretch before the bus stop in Waldegg, where the bus was late and when it came it didn't bother stopping because it was already full. A disadvantage of sunny Sundays in the mountains.... |
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| Heading back to Thun by train: Mount Niederhorn is the hill on the right with the antenna tower, and together with the mountain on the left, they wall in the Justis Valley in between |
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