Wildhorn

Wildhorn is a glaciated mountain massif topping out at 3,250 m, rising above the Lauenen area in the Swiss Bernese Alps. Valleys near Lauenen and Gstaad lie on the Bern side, while Valais begins across the ridge. It is the loftiest point of the Bernese Alps west of the Gemmi Pass, which makes it a magnet for mountaineers, high-alpine hikers and anyone who loves glacier scenery.

Where is Wildhorn?

The summit sits right on the border between the cantons of Bern and Valais, within the main chain of the Bernese Alps (roughly 46.35° N, 7.36° E). Do not confuse it with other Alpine peaks sharing the name. The whole massif spans around 10 km from the Sanetsch Pass to the Rawil Pass, and it stands at the centre of the valleys of the Saane, the Simme and the Rhone.

What makes up the Wildhorn massif?

It is not a single spire but a broad, heavily glaciated group of summits: Arpelistock, Le Sérac, Geltenhorn, Sex Noir, Sex Rouge, Schnidehorn and Six des Eaux Froides, among others. The main crest runs between the Tungelgletscher and the Glacier du Wildhorn. Mont Pucel, almost as tall, lies just south of the top. Wildhorn is one of four distinct massifs in the Bernese Alps west of the Gemmi Pass, alongside Muverans, Diablerets and Wildstrubel.

Which lakes surround Wildhorn?

Large alpine lakes ring the massif, and each works as a destination in its own right:

• Lauenensee, close to Lauenen,
• Iffigsee,
• Lac de Sénin,
• Lac de Tseuzier,
• Lac des Audannes.

The Tungelgletscher on the north-east face was surveyed at 1.9 km long in 1973, which gives a sense of the ice around the peak.

How do you climb Wildhorn?

Routes to the summit start at mountain huts. You can set off from Cabane des Audannes, Wildhornhütte or Geltenhütte. Given the glaciers and the altitude, this is an objective for experienced alpinists or for those travelling with a guide. Which hut you pick depends on whether you want to approach from the Bern side or from Valais.

When should you go?

Summit attempts suit the warmer months, when the huts are staffed and glacier conditions are easier to read. If you are not aiming for the top, the lakes, such as Lauenensee, make a gentler outing. Check the weather forecast, current glacier conditions and the opening dates of your chosen hut before heading out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Wildhorn? 3,250 m (10,663 ft) above sea level, the highest summit of the Bernese Alps west of the Gemmi Pass.

Which canton is Wildhorn in? The cantonal border between Bern and Valais runs across it.

Where do climbs begin? At one of the huts: Cabane des Audannes, Wildhornhütte or Geltenhütte.

Is this the same Wildhorn as in the Glarus Alps? No. The peak described here belongs to the Bernese Alps, near Lauenen, on the Bern-Valais border.

Which lakes are nearby? Lauenensee, Iffigsee, Lac de Sénin, Lac de Tseuzier and Lac des Audannes.