The ruins of Jagdburg Castle, the Stocken-Höfen Puzzle Trail and the hike along the Stockhorn range each offer a different focus. The walk from Niederstocken to the ruins of Jagdburg Castle takes about 30 minutes. For the puzzle trail, its length, elevation gain and duration provide a specific framework; the hike along the Stockhorn range passes several named places and goes through the Augand nature reserve. These differences can help you plan your visit around the focus you prefer.
The Ruins of Jagdburg Castle and Local History
Today, substantial sections of ruin wall are visible from the former «Burg ze Stoke», later known as Jagdburg Castle. The chapel is also part of local history: Hans Schütz had it built in Niederstocken in 1472. Both details give your visit a historical connection without requiring a lengthy explanation: at the castle ruins, the surviving masonry takes centre stage; at the chapel, it is the recorded date of construction.
The official yellow hiking trail network leads from the village to the ruins; allow about 30 minutes for the walk. Entry is at your own risk, and hiking trail safety rules must be followed. The Pro Ruine Jagdburg association offers guided tours by prior arrangement. So if you would like to combine your visit with a guided tour, contact them in advance.
Puzzle Trail and Hikes
The Stocken-Höfen Puzzle Trail features numbered questions and a solution code. It is 4.8 kilometres long, covers 200 metres of elevation gain and takes one to two hours. This makes it easier to plan the time needed for this trail than for a hike described mainly by the places it passes. The figures go together: the length, elevation gain and duration provide an overall picture of the time commitment involved in the puzzle trail.
The hike along the Stockhorn range leads from Hani via Brodhüsi and Reutigen to Niederstocken, passing through the Augand nature reserve. If you want to choose a route based on its stops, this one offers a clear sequence of places and a route through a protected area. Another named route is the Stockentalroute (SwitzerlandMobility 362). It runs along the northern slope of the Stockhorn range to Niederstocken. This route includes a shady barbecue and rest area by the water.
Nature and Training Facilities
Seeliswald is a small protected raised bog where carnivorous sundew grows. This makes it a distinctive nature attraction for anyone interested in protected landscapes and plants as well as trails.
The Stockental Driving Centre in Niederstocken offers a very different focus. Covering more than 50,000 m², it provides modern facilities for training with passenger cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles weighing under and over 3.5 tonnes. It also offers practical drone courses for all skill levels. The extensive grounds are also suitable for drone training and events. The activities mentioned therefore range from hiking and nature to vehicle and drone training.
Getting There and the Inn
For the puzzle trail, a car park and the school in Niederstocken are listed. A bus connection to the Stockhorn stop from Thun is listed as route number 3 via Heimberg, Allmendingen and (Blumenstein). Check the current timetable before travelling.
Gasthof zum Stockhorn is a traditional inn at Stockentalstrasse 48, 3632 Niederstocken, and welcomes travellers and bikers. Check the latest information about the inn before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Oberwil in Simmental, Wimmis, Därstetten, Erlenbach in Simmental, Faulensee, Diemtigen, Spiez, Horboden.
Go to the regional travel overview: Niedersimmental.
