Bockmattlistock

Bockmattlistock is a dramatic and impressive mountain in the Alps of Switzerland. Its enormous cliffs to the north rise more than 300 meters straight up, and its peak at 1,931 meters offers amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

The hike begins in Innerthal. The easiest way to get to Innerthal is to take bus 523 from the Siebnen-Wangen train station to Innerthal, Post. However, this bus only runs once per hour, and during the summer the last bus leaves at about 8 p.m. If you wish to drive to Innerthal, there are a few small paid parking areas near the town (CHF 1 per hour). From the Innerthal, Post bus station, walk south along the lake Wägitalersee about 300 meters, where a road forks off to the left. A yellow sign indicates the direction to Bockmattlistock (2 hours, 30 minutes). Take the road up the hill to the left and continue up several switchbacks. At 1.6 kilometers there is another sign. Continue up the switchback to the right along the road toward Bockmattlistock. At 2.4 kilometers there will be another yellow sign labeled Schwarzenegg. This path takes you left through the forest Gwürzwald. You can also continue along the main road, and the forest trail converges back at around 3..2. kilometers.

At this point the road splits. Straight ahead there will be a small house visible. Turn right here; there should be another yellow sign visible close by. At 3.8 kilometers you will pass Schwarzenegg, a small house and barn. In summer there may be a fountain to fill water here. The face of Bockmattli should be visible now. From this point on, the trail will be marked by white-red-white blazes that indicate a mountain path. Continue up the hill. A yellow sign should be visible on the ridge.

At this yellow sign, at just over 4 kilometers, Bockmattlistock and its huge cliffs are completely visible. The Bockmattlipass to the right is also visible, with the switchbacking trail leading upward. Follow the yellow sign up the ridge toward Bockmattlistock. Shortly another yellow sign will indicate a split in the trail. One trail continues straight, and another takes a switchback up to the ridge on the right. Both lead to the same place, but The trail along the ridge is recommended. This trail also passes by the Kletterhütte Bockmattli, a climbing hut. The hut is open only on weekends in the summer. The path leads along the ridge toward Bockmattlipass. In spring and summer, this area is covered in bright wildflowers.

At 4.8 kilometers you will pass the climbing hut. The trail continues up the Bockmattlipass. Bockmattlistock is on the left; on the right is Schiberg. The trail switchbacks from here up toward the top. Snow fields can persist here until late May, so be prepared. At around 5.5 kilometers another yellow sign appears. Here the trail continues left to Bockmattlistock. The trail to the right leads to Schiberg; however, note that this is a more technical alpine trail that may require more equipment.

At 6.1 kilometers the summit is reached. There are incredible views of Schiberg (southwest), Plattenberg (south), Tierberg (east), and Chöpfenberg (north).

The trail returns back the same way it came up, but there are a few additions that are possible:

1. The trip to Schiberg adds about 1 hour, 30 minutes.
2. From the yellow sign at 4.1 kilometers (near Schwarzenegg), you can head north toward the Brüschstockbugel, which offers great views of the Wägitalersee.
3. From this same yellow sign you can hike down to Vorderthal, the town in the valley north of Innerthal.
4. If you hike straight back to Innerthal, you can continue from there back to Vorderthal as well. Continue past the main town toward and across the dam. The trail departs from near the west side of the dam and leads down along the river to Vorderthal.

For maps and more information, be sure to check out SwitzerlandMobility.

Happy hiking!!