Hochmatt (2152 m) is situated in Bernese Alps, south of Jaun and Im Fang (where I work). It was a perfect choice for an evening stroll. You have to take a right turn not far from Charmey that indicates ‘Gros Mont’.
Since I have my driving licence since I was 18 years old but never needed it later and just started driving this year (automatic…) I asked my boyfriend to be our chauffeur. Hochmatt is not far from Broc (where we live) but to drive all the way up to the parking lot….well, you need some experience in driving in the mountains or a sticker that says ‘watch out woman driving’ (I didn’t buy one yet).
When we parked our amazing Golf at 1380 m the weather was perfect. It was around 5 p.m. so we took our headlamps just in case. Weather was perfect, sunny, hot (maybe too hot), blue sky.
The start of the hike is not that interesting to be honest. As a French speaker would say ‘ça monte’ (it goes up) all the bloody time and the thing that made me quite tired you don’t see your target. Hochmatt is still hidden. The hiking trail is well marked so no worries of getting lost. We took our time. I took the photos and Sam was searching for mushrooms.
Finally we got to the point where we saw the Hochmatt. Yes! Was more motivated at that point. There was quite a long way to go but the views were just stunning. Gastlosen chain, all the valleys around, Dent de Broc, Dent du Chamois and many more. I was breathless. We enjoyed every moment of it since we were alone on the trail. It can’t get better.
Just before the summit we had company. Sheep…all over! It made our hiking evening even more rewarding. On the summit we drank a beer, and then started to descend since the days are shorter now and I wouldn’t be that happy to go all the way down at night. On the way down we admired the sunrise and just enjoyed…
Practical information:
Starting point: Parking space Gros Mont (1380 m)
Target: Hochmatt (2152 m)
Hike lenght: Around 8 + km both ways. Not long but the altitude change is almost 800 m. It took us 2 hours to go up (with taking pictures, quite relaxed pace. 1 hour 15 minutes to go down (in the end it was getting quite dark).
Difficulty: It is an easy hike. The altitude change of 800 m in 4 km might not be so easy for all though.
Tips: It’s a perfect hike for an evening if you’re used to hiking. Perfect all day hike for those who are relaxed hikers. Going in the evening is quite a good idea since there’s not many people around and you have the whole trail for you.
Text: Agnieszka Wajs
