Gross Wannenhorn

Gross Wannenhorn (also written Grosses Wannenhorn) is a 3,906 m summit in the Bernese Alps, in the Swiss canton of Valais, above the village of Fieschertal and close to Fiesch. It belongs to the Walliser Fiescherhörner group and sits in one of the most heavily glaciated parts of the Alps.

Where is Gross Wannenhorn?

The peak stands on the main chain of the Bernese Alps, in the southern part of the range at the head of the Fieschertal valley. It acts as a divide between two giants of ice: the Aletsch Glacier to the west and the Fiescher Glacier to the east. Aletsch is the largest glacier in the Alps, and the surrounding region is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage area. The summit lies at roughly 46.49° N, 8.10° E.

Can you climb it?

Yes, but only as a mountaineering objective. At almost 3,900 m and with glacier terrain on the approach, the route calls for rope-team skills, crampons, an ice axe and an understanding of crevasse hazards. Climbs usually start from one of two high mountain huts:

• Konkordia Hütte, above Konkordiaplatz, where several glaciers merge to form the Aletsch,
• Finsteraarhornhütte, on the Fiescher Glacier side.

If you have no glacier experience, hire a certified mountain guide.

How do you get to the area?

The main base is Fiesch in the upper Rhône valley (Goms), where a cable car climbs to Fiescheralp and on toward the Eggishorn. Fieschertal sits in a side valley above Fiesch and is the starting point for approaches toward the Fiescher Glacier. Fiesch has a train station on the line through Brig and Goms.

When should you go?

The high-mountain season generally runs from mid-June to September. Summer gives the most reliable glacier conditions, yet snow cover and crevasse state decide the right date, so check conditions with the hut warden or your guide. In winter the area is mostly the domain of ski tourers.

What can you see without climbing?

The Wannenhorn is visible from the terraces around Eggishorn and Fiescheralp, which offer a wide view over the glaciers. Hiking trails above Fiesch let you look at the Aletsch Glacier with no mountaineering gear at all.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Gross Wannenhorn? 3,906 m above sea level.

Which range and canton is it in? The Bernese Alps, canton of Valais, Switzerland, near Fiesch.

Where does the climb begin? Most often at Konkordia Hütte or Finsteraarhornhütte.

Do I need a guide? Without glacier experience, yes. The route requires alpine equipment and technique.