Niederhorn

The Niederhorn tops out at 1,963 metres on the ridge north of Lake Thun, and the reason to come rather than to any other viewpoint on this lake is the wildlife. Alpine ibex were hunted out of Switzerland entirely by the nineteenth century and reintroduced from an Italian stock; the colony on this ridge, started in 1949 with three bucks from the Augstmatthorn and built up with 26 animals over eight years, now numbers some 75 to 100 and has become one of the most approachable in the country, and the animals graze near the paths in the early morning and evening with little concern for people. Chamois and marmots are here too. The view runs across the lake to the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. A ridge path continues toward the Burgfeldstand and Gemmenalphorn for anyone wanting distance.

What you'll find

• Ibex at close range - a reintroduced colony grazing near the paths.
• The Jungfrau trio across the lake - Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau opposite.
• Chamois and marmots - the rest of the ridge wildlife.
• A long ridge walk - onward to Burgfeldstand and Gemmenalphorn.

When to go

May to October; dawn and dusk for the animals. Half a day.

Things to know

Ibex are wild and not guaranteed, and midday sightings are rarer. Do not approach or feed them. The two-stage lift is expensive and stops early. The ridge is exposed to wind.

Nearby

Beatenberg is on the terrace; the St Beatus caves are below on the shore.

Key facts