Sunrise over the Wildhorn

The Wildhorn in the western Bernese Oberland, standing at 3,248 m with its remaining glaciation, is a majestic and challenging peak with attractive ascents from several sides, e.g. the Wildhornhütte, the Geltenhütte or the Cabanne des Audannes. There is also a multi-day, demanding and beautiful circular hike “Tour du Wildhorn” around the Wildhorn group, which leads through varied, wild and often lonely mountain and valley regions.

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful views of the Wildhorn, the Rawil Pass, Plan du Roses and the Ténéhet karst area can be enjoyed from the Wildstrubelhütte at an altitude of 2,791 m. The shortest ascent starts from Iffigenalp; the steep climb through the rocks cannot be made out from below, as the path winds over narrow rock ledges before the path becomes slightly less exposed above the steep step. Only the final steep section from the Rawilseeleni to the hut requires a final burst of energy.

Nevertheless, you should definitely continue another 200 metres up to the Weisshornlücke and take a look from one of the nearby panoramic peaks at the huge white plateau of the Wildstrubel Glacier, or across the Rhone Valley to the Valais mountain range, or Mont Blanc to the west. The Wildstrubelhütte itself was extended in 2006; the modern extension blends harmoniously with the old, wonderfully renovated rooms. The hosts are very welcoming and the food was excellent. It should be noted that the cable car in the photo is for military purposes only and has completely built over the Weisshorn above the hut, though at least the hosts can use the cable car for their supplies.

On the way, I encountered a flock of sheep on a patch of old snow, looking for a way to cool down in the heat of the 2015 summer.