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- Grünhorn
13,268 ft · Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Grünhorn
Grünhorn is a 13,268 ft peak in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Normal Route via SW Ridge: 16 mi, 6,010 ft of gain, PD+.
Grünhorn at a glance
- Elevation13,268 ft4,044 m
- RouteNormal Route via SW RidgePD+
- Distance16 mi6,010 ft gain
- Time2–3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeBernese AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the Normal Route via SW Ridge
From the Grimsel or Fiesch area, Switzerland, make the long glacier approach to either the Konkordiahutte or the Finsteraarhornhutte, then summit the Gross Grunhorn, the highest peak lying wholly within the Aletsch region. The SW ridge (PD+) gives mixed ground with some UIAA II/III scrambling. The setting is the great glacier basin of the Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage area, and the approaches are long glacier days in their own right, so rope up and budget the time. Watch crevasses and rockfall on the mixed ground. Budget 2 to 3 days for the outing.
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
Approach Shoes- Slings
- Nut Tool
- Cams / Nuts
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Grünhorn
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Grünhorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Grünhorn?
Grünhorn is 13,268 feet (4,044 m) tall. It is in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland.
How does Grünhorn rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,268 feet, Grünhorn is the 69th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Grünhorn?
The Normal Route via SW Ridge 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: 16 miles with 6,010 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Grünhorn?
Most climbers plan 2–3 days for the Normal Route via SW Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Grünhorn dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Grünhorn?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Normal Route via SW Ridge 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 Grünhorn?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Grünhorn reaches 13,268 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 Grünhorn?
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 Grünhorn 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