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Kaiseregg - Walop - Schafberg

Bern  >  Switzerland

Watching hanhikorppikotka and looking for munkkikorppikotka in the Swiss Alps.

Added* by Peter Wittemann
Most recent update 10 tammikuu 2025

Description

hanhikorppikotka have been regularly observed in the Swiss Alps for a few years now. These are animals from the breeding areas in Spain and France that are not yet ready to mate and move to Switzerland during the breeding season. They can be reliably observed on the Schafberg in summer. The munkkikorppikotka, which is very rare in Switzerland, is also regularly found among them.

Typical Alpine birds such as the sepelrastas and sitruunahemppo, kiiruna, ruskourpiainen, teeri, and hernekerttu can be found on the way up. The maakotka is regularly observed, and more rarely a käärmekotka can be seen foraging. The kivikkorastas breeds in the area. Mehiläishaukka, niittykirvinen, vuorikirvinen, and vuorisirkku are also native.

Details

Access

You have to earn your observations: The area can only be reached after a three- to four-hour, steep climb. There are three access points. The first leads from Jaun via the Müncheberg. It is strenuous and not very attractive due to the recent increase in agricultural use. (The route via the Euschelspass may be more attractive).

The second leads from Boltigen via Schwarzenmatt and Chlus to Walop. After an ascent to Underi Luchere, vultures can be observed on the Schafberg. The trail is particularly attractive if other species are also to be observed, such as the sitruunahemppo .

The third trail leads from Schwarzsee via the Riggisalp to the Kaisereggpass. For me, it is the most scenic and leads directly to the area from where the vultures can best be observed.

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain

Conditions

Mountainous , No shadow , Rocky , Dry

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Summer

Best time to visit

Summer

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Strenuous

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

After several visits to the area, I can recommend the route to the Kaiseregg Pass the most. From the ridge you have a good view of the mountain basin. The vultures usually rest on the Rotechaste or Schafsberg to the south. If you wait a while, you have an excellent chance of seeing the spectacular animals gliding past a few metres above or next to you. It is also possible to descend into the Walop and descend on the other side towards Boltigen. As the ascent is in summer and there is hardly any shade at the top, it is advisable to take plenty of water, long clothes and sun cream with you. The white and blue marked paths along the ridge are only suitable for experienced mountaineers with good equipment.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

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