Stockhorn

The Stockhorn stands at 2,190 metres at the northern edge of the Bernese Alps, which puts it on the boundary between the high mountains and the Mittelland - so the summit looks one way at the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau and the other across the plateau to the Jura, sometimes as far as the Vosges. Two small lakes sit below it: the Hinterstockensee at the middle station and the Oberstockensee above, both stocked and fished, including through holes in the ice in winter, which is unusual enough in Switzerland to draw people up for it. A suspension footbridge links the summit ridge, and a viewing platform runs out over the drop. Ibex and chamois are on the slopes.

What you actually see

• Two lakes below the summit - Hinter- and Oberstockensee, both fished.
• Winter ice fishing - holes cut on the frozen lake, rare in Switzerland.
• A ridge suspension bridge - the crossing near the top.
• Both directions at once - high Alps one way, the Mittelland the other.

When to go

All year. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The cable car closes for maintenance twice a year. The summit is windy and much colder than the valley. Ice fishing needs a permit and gear hired below. Cloud sitting on the plateau can hide the northern view entirely.

Nearby

Erlenbach is at the base; the Niesen is west across the valley.