Jungfrau Rottal Ridge
The route to the Jungfrau via the Rottalgrat offers a quieter, more demanding alternative to the normal route. A remote and wild adventure characteristic of earlier times.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Very Sporty
- Experience Level: Advanced
Private Tour
| 1 person | CHF 1790 |
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 1850m | 0m | 5km | approx. 5-6 hours |
| 2 | 1550m | 850m | 5.5km | approx. 7-9 hours |
Day 1: Approach to the Rottal hut 2755m
After meeting in Stechelberg we start the long climb. The path is steep from the off – initially surrounded by lush vegetation then slowly moving into more barren, alpine terrain. The higher we get, the rougher and rockier the path becomes. In places it is somewhat exposed, but the path is always good. The final 200m up to the hut leads parallel to the Rottal glacier, or at least what’s left of it. Beyond the hut terrace, the wild and remote Rottal valley is overshadowed by the impressive, icy north faces of Gletscherhorn and Aebniflueh.
Day 2: Jungfrau 4158m via the Rottalgrat
After an early start, we climb up to the Inner Rottalgrat by the light of our headlamps. Initially easy, the terrain gradually becomes more serious. The downward stratified limestone slabs (think roof tiles) require cautious climbing. After a long climb we eventually reach the Hochfirn glacier. In crampons we continue up the broad snow and ice slope before curving round to reach the summit of the Jungfrau at 4158m. To have climbed such a well-known peak by this relatively quiet route has been a privilege. For the descent we follow the normal route via the Rottalsattel to the Jungfraujoch, where the throng of tourists makes for a stark contrast to where we’ve come from.
| Season | June - October |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 10:30am in Stechelberg (at the Hotel & Restaurant Stechelberg) |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Overnight stay at the Rottal hut
- Summit Certificate
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
Backpack
- 25-30l
Clothing
- 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
- Thermal underwear
Footwear
- Crampon proof mountaineering boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Silk sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Ice axe
- Helmet
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.