The European Alps

Ascent of the Wetterhorn ( 3701m )

The Wetterhorn dominates the Grindelwald Valley

with its great triangular 1300metre high limestone wall

rising vertically from the meadows of the valley floor.

It is a 3 hour climb on a steep path

traversing a series of cliffs

to reach the large Gleckstein Hut ( 2317m )

situated in upper pastures.

From the hut

( after the usual early morning alpine start )

a track leads over stony ground

to reach the Krinnen Glacier.

On the far side it is a long, steep climb

( alpine grade PD ) over mixed ground

- rocks, scree and snow to gain the Wettersattel

- the col between the Wetterhorn

and the adjacent Mittelhorn.

A final steep snow slope brings one

to the summit and a dramatic viewpoint

- immediately below the summit

the cliffs drop sheer to Grindelwald

in the valley floor far below. 

A superb panorama of peaks

unfolds to the west including

the famous alpine trinity of the

Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.