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- Gross Fiescherhorn
13,284 ft · Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Gross Fiescherhorn
Gross Fiescherhorn is a 13,284 ft peak in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Normal Route via NW Flank: 9 mi, 2,625 ft of gain, PD.
Gross Fiescherhorn at a glance
- Elevation13,284 ft4,048 m
- RouteNormal Route via NW FlankPD
- Distance9 mi2,625 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeBernese AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the Normal Route via NW Flank
Take the Jungfraujoch railway to 3,454 m, Switzerland, then walk to the Monchsjochhutte and climb this broad glaciated summit in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. The Normal Route via the NW flank (PD) is glacier terrain with a short steeper finish. It is quiet compared with the Jungfrau and Monch despite sharing the same hut, which makes it a good acclimatisation objective before the Finsteraarhorn. Rope up for the crevassed glacier and watch cornices near the top. Budget two days for the outing, with the railway shortening the approach considerably.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Carabiners
Belay Device- Prusik Cord
- Ice Screw
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Glacier Glasses
Sunscreen
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Water
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Heavyweight Gloves
Goggles
Offline Maps
Power Bank
Whistle
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Cornices
- Steep exposure
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Gross Fiescherhorn
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Gross Fiescherhorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Gross Fiescherhorn?
Gross Fiescherhorn is 13,284 feet (4,048 m) tall. It is in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland.
How does Gross Fiescherhorn rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,284 feet, Gross Fiescherhorn is the 65th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Gross Fiescherhorn?
The Normal Route via NW Flank is graded PD on the alpine scale, meaning slightly difficult: some scrambling, steeper snow or simple glacier travel. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 9 miles with 2,625 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Gross Fiescherhorn?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Normal Route via NW Flank, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Gross Fiescherhorn dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Gross Fiescherhorn?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Normal Route via NW Flank for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Gross Fiescherhorn?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Gross Fiescherhorn reaches 13,284 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to climb Gross Fiescherhorn?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Gross Fiescherhorn with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list