Glacier Tour from Grimsel Pass to Grindelwald

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4 days
4 glaciers in 4 days
Strahlegg Pass crossing
Wild high mountain landscapes

Season:

July September

Departure Times

11:45
Grimsel Hospiz

Grimsel Hospiz

Key info

Experienced mountain hiker
Experience with alpine and glacier hikes
Surefootedness
At least 6 hours hiking with a backpack

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.

Across glaciers, passes, and wild landscapes: Four days of movement, solitude, and the impressive power of nature.

Four days, four glaciers, an unforgettable tour: From Grimsel Pass to Grindelwald, this tour takes you over the Unteraar, Finsteraar, Strahlegg, and Ischmeer glaciers. On solitary paths and ancient ice streams, you will experience the rugged beauty of the high Alps – with breathtaking views, exciting pass crossings, and cozy evenings in mountain huts.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Lauteraar Hut
From Grimsel Hospiz, we cross the dam and follow the path along Lake Grimsel to its end. Here begins the glacier adventure: We ascend the debris-covered Unteraar Glacier to reach Lauteraar Hut. The hut sits high above the valley, offering an impressive view of the glacier-shaped expanse.
Distance
10 km
Ascent
+750 m
Descent
-250 m
Walking time
4-5 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Over Rough Terrain to Aar Biwak
After descending from the hut rock, we cross the Unteraar Glacier and follow it to the junction with the Finsteraar Glacier. The terrain becomes increasingly remote, surrounded only by rock and ice. Finally, we reach the Strahlegg Glacier and climb to the moraine leading us to Aar Biwak – a secluded spot where we spend the night.
Distance
9 km
Ascent
+700 m
Descent
-300 m
Walking time
4-5 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Over Strahlegg Pass to Schreckhorn Hut
Early in the morning, the king stage begins. The terrain becomes steeper until we reach Strahlegg Pass with some easy climbing. Once at the top, we enjoy the view before descending over the Upper Ischmeer. The final ascent takes us to Schreckhorn Hut – with views of the mighty high mountains. We've definitely earned a piece of cake.
Distance
8 km
Ascent
+750 m
Descent
-950 m
Walking time
5-6 hrs
Day4
Day 4: Descent to Grindelwald
After breakfast, we start the descent. The view back at the glacier world remains unforgettable. Passing Bäregg Hut, we continue to Pfingstegg, from where the cable car comfortably takes us to Grindelwald, where the tour ends.
Distance
6.5 km
Ascent
+150 m
Descent
-1350 m
Walking time
4-5 hrs

Whats included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Hut reservation

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Backpack 30-35 l

Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks

Crampon proof mountaineering boots

Crampons with anti-snow plates
Sling 120 cm
1 screw carabiner

Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Headlamp
Silk sleeping bag liner
Toiletries
SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting points
Activity location

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