The tunnel and platform
A 70-metre tunnel, then a glass floor above 400 metres.
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The Stockhorn is a sharp rocky peak of 2,190 metres west of Lake Thun, known for three things: a **70-metre tunnel through the rock summit** leading to a viewing platform cantilevered over the north face, with a glass panel in the floor above a 400-metre drop, a **mountain fishing lake** five minutes from the middle station (the Hinterstockensee; the quieter Oberstockensee is a further 40-minute walk) where tackle is hired and trout fishing is allowed, and **wide-open hiking, climbing and paragliding terrain**. From the top there is a wide view over the whole of Lake Thun from above and the Mittelland plain as far as Germany's Black Forest on clear days, and on the other side the Oberland peaks. A two-stage cable car runs from Erlenbach im Simmental. It is further out than Interlaken's usual sights (about an hour's travel) and far less crowded — for the traveller who has done the essentials and wants a Swiss mountain without the crowds, or for families wanting the mountain-fishing experience. The fishing and hiking are summer things, but the cable car also runs all winter (roughly December to late March) for winter walking, snowshoeing and the summit igloo.
A 70-metre tunnel, then a glass floor above 400 metres.
A 240-degree view over Lake Thun and the plain.
A mountain lake with tackle for hire.
Stockhorn, 3762 Erlenbach im Simmental
For a short first visit: no — the Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn or First come well before it. But for a week-long stay or a repeat visit: yes, it is a complete Swiss mountain experience (tunnel, glass platform, lake and trails) without the crowds and cheaper than the famous summits, and the journey passes through the lovely lakeside town of Spiez.