One of my biggest bucket list items for our babymoon in Switzerland was to hike to Augstmatthorn for sunrise. Not an easy feat considering I was 32 weeks pregnant at the time. But we did it and it was an incredible morning!
Now you might wonder, how the hell did she do that? Cause all travel guides will tell you that to reach Augstmatthorn you either have to take the cable car up from Interlaken to Harder Kulm (which only opens long after sunrise) or to start hiking from Interlaken itself.
Well, we actually found a much shorter way up the mountain, starting from Lombachalp. In this article I will tell you everything you need to know so you can have the exact same incredible experience.
So are you ready to discover one of the absolute best hikes in Switzerland with me?
Augstmatthorn from Lombachalp Hiking Stats
Hiking Distance – 6.3km (3.9 miles)
Elevation – 564m (1850 feet)
Route Type – Loop
Difficulty – Moderate to Hard
Duration – 3 to 4 hours
Parking – Park at the restaurant Jügerstübli in Lombachalp (coordinates: 46.744202, 7.907412). This is a paid parking lot so make sure to bring some Swiss cash with you. Last time the machine did not yet accept any cards.
Interesting facts about Augstmatthorn
Augstmatthorn is a notable point along the famous Hardergrat Trail, a ridge walk that is known for its stunning views and challenging terrain, attracting seasoned hikers from around the world.
The area around Augstmatthorn is rich in biodiversity, with lush alpine meadows that bloom with wildflowers in the spring and summer. It’s also home to wildlife such as chamois and marmots, and if you’re lucky, you might spot an ibex. We sure did during our sunrise hike up to Augstmatthorn but unfortunately I wasn’t quick enough to snap a photo of him.
The region around Augstmatthorn has a rich history, with evidence of early human settlement and traditional alpine farming practices that have shaped the landscape over centuries.
How to get to Lombachalp
Lombachalp is most easily accessed from Interlaken, a popular tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.
From Interlaken, you can either drive or take public transportation to the village of Habkern. If you’re driving, it’s about a 20-minute journey. By public transport, you can take a bus from Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost station to Habkern, which also takes around 20-30 minutes.
❗️Do know that if you want to reach Augstmatthorn by sunrise, taking public transportation isn’t an option.
From Habkern, Lombachalp is about a 10-minute drive up a winding mountain road. It’s a pretty small road so watch out for cars passing by.
🅿️ Park at the restaurant Jügerstübli in Lombachalp (coordinates: 46.744202, 7.907412). This is a paid parking lot so make sure to bring some Swiss cash with you. Last time the machine did not yet accept any cards.
How to hike from Lombachalp to Augstmatthorn for sunrise
First and foremost, the most important part about a sunrise hiking mission is timing. You need to calculate the driving time from where you’re staying to Lombachalp and then add the average time you’ll think you need to hike up.
For reference it took us around 2 hours to reach the top. But this also included me being 32 weeks pregnant and needing a lot more rest than otherwise. With a good fitness level I think the hike up to Augstmatthorn would take around 1.5 hours from the parking lot.
One you’ve parked your car at restaurant Jügerstübli you just have to walk through the wooden fence and follow the hiking trail.
The first part of the trail leads through a meadow where sometimes you’ll have to cross over wooden boards. Be careful cause they can get very slippery and you don’t want to end up next to them in cow dung.
As we were hiking up the sky was starting to change colours and as you can see the landscape on the Lambachalp side is already incredible! On the photograph on the right you can also see restaurant Jügerstübli in the meadow.
But once you reach the top you’re in for a real treat! Turn to the left and after 10 minutes you’ll reach the top of Augstmatthorn.
Now I do want to point out that visiting Augstmatthorn for sunrise is a popular activity and chances are very high that you won’t be the only one wanting to admire this spectacle this early in the morning.
For the way back down there are two options. Either you hike the same way back or you make a loop by walking in the direction of Harder Kulm and then hiking back down at Siggiture. This way you get to enjoy a longer part of the famous Hardergrat Trail before heading back to the parking lot.
The best photography spot on the Augstmatthorn Hike
One thing you don’t have to worry about is that by taking a shortcut you’ll miss out on the best views. One of the best photography spots is just a little down from the cross at Augstmatthorn. On the right you’ll see a small pathway that you can follow down where you’ll have an incredible view over the Brienzersee and the surrounding mountains.
When can you hike to Augstmatthorn
The best time to hike to Augstmatthorn, considering the weather and trail conditions, is typically from late spring to early autumn, around June to September.
During these months, the snow has usually melted, and the trails are more accessible. The weather is also more favorable for hiking, with warmer temperatures and less likelihood of sudden storms, although mountain weather can be unpredictable. I
t’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast and trail conditions before planning your hike, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Hiking outside this recommended window might be possible on some years, depending on the weather, but it’s crucial to be well-prepared and possibly seek local advice if attempting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the hike to Augstmatthorn from Lombachalp?
The hike from Lombachalp to Augstmatthorn is considered to be of moderate difficulty. This route offers a relatively steady ascent and provides hikers with manageable challenges along with spectacular views. The trail covers diverse terrains, including alpine meadows and ridge paths, with some sections that may require careful navigation due to narrow paths or steep edges.
When is the best time to hike to Augstmatthorn?
The best time to hike to Augstmatthorn is during the summer months, from June to September. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with warmer temperatures and lower chances of snow on the trails, making the hike more enjoyable and safer. The clear summer skies also provide the best visibility, allowing hikers to fully appreciate the panoramic views from the summit.
If you have any questions about how to visit Bernese Oberland or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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