Augstmatthorn

The Augstmatthorn is a mountain of the Emmental Alps, overlooking Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland.

The largely forested land from the top of the mountain southwards to the lake has been identified by BirdLife International as a 15,900 ha Important Bird Area.

The first alpine ibex colony in the canton of Bern was settled on the Augstmatthorn at the beginning of the 20th century.

The reintroduction was so successful that animals were recaptured from the Augstmatthorn to establish new colonies, such as on the Niederhorn.

Besides ibex, golden eagles, chamois, red foxes, black grouse, ptarmigan and lynx also live in the area.

An Alpine Ibex on the Augstmatthorn
Sunrise on a summer morning on Augstmatthorn.