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- Hinter Fiescherhorn
13,205 ft · Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Hinter Fiescherhorn
Hinter Fiescherhorn is a 13,205 ft peak in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Normal Route via NW Flank: 9 mi, 2,789 ft of gain, PD.
Hinter Fiescherhorn at a glance
- Elevation13,205 ft4,024 m
- RouteNormal Route via NW FlankPD
- Distance9 mi2,789 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 glaciated summit adjoining the Gross Fiescherhorn, usually done in the same trip. The Normal Route via the NW flank (PD) is snow and ice with a short mixed section near the top. It is quiet and often skipped by parties focused on the bigger neighbours, which makes it a peaceful objective in a busy area. Rope up for the crevassed glacier and watch cornices near the summit. 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 Hinter Fiescherhorn
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Hinter Fiescherhorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Hinter Fiescherhorn?
Hinter Fiescherhorn is 13,205 feet (4,024 m) tall. It is in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland.
How does Hinter Fiescherhorn rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,205 feet, Hinter Fiescherhorn is the 74th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Hinter 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 2,789 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Hinter Fiescherhorn?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Normal Route via NW Flank, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Hinter 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 Hinter 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 Hinter Fiescherhorn?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hinter Fiescherhorn reaches 13,205 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 Hinter 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 Hinter 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