Sichle

Ascent of the Niederhorn _ Bärenpfad
10.7 km
1009m
4 hr 34 mins
What a hike. We walked from the tent, through a long dark tunnel, then turned up Justiztal. Beautiful cut off Valley, with a gap at the end called Sichle, or sickle. Took a sharp right under the Niederhorn cliffs, then headed up to Bärenpfad or bears path, leading ridiculously steeply up 850m out of The Valley. Up and up, up ladders, some sections with cables and other parts up to you to hang on to the limestone. Stopped a few times on ledges to enjoy the view, look for the elusive Steinbock and for refreshments. Just amazing hike, soon over as we topped out over the ridge to fantastic vistas of the Berner Alps. After a quick beer at the summit restaurant, we took the easy way down, the cable car.