Glacier Hike to Mutthorn Hut

Sporty
2 days
Historic Petersgrat
Overnight stay at the modern Mutthorn Hut
From Gastern Valley to Lötschental

Season:

June September

Departure Times

08:45
Kandersteg train station

Kandersteg train station

Key info

Experienced mountain hiker
No technical mountain skills required
At least 6 hours of hiking with a backpack
Surefootedness

Overview

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

Following in the footsteps of glacier pilots: From the unique Gastern Valley over glacier fields and the Petersgrat with an overnight stay at the modern Mutthorn Hut.

Who hasn't heard of the Mutthorn area and the Petersgrat? On this solitary and beautiful glacier hike, you'll follow in the footsteps of the glacier pilots. In 1951, Hermann Geiger laid the foundation for alpine rescue aviation with the first landing on the glacier using a propeller plane. On this tour, we visit these historic sites.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Ascent over the Kanderfirn to Mutthorn Hut
Distance
10 km
Ascent
+1330 m
Walking time
6-7 hrs
Arrival

After meeting at Kandersteg train station, we take the bus through the pristine Gastern Valley to Selden.
Glacier Hike
5 - 6 hrs

We hike to the Alpetli Glacier, where we take a short break and rope up. Our route continues over the Kanderfirn up to the Mutthorn Hut.
Mutthorn Hut

At the hut, newly built in 2025, we enjoy the unique panorama and unwind in the evening.
Day2
Day 2: Ascent to Petersgrat 3,205 m a.s.l. and Descent to Blatten in Lötschental
Distance
10 km
Ascent
+400 m
Descent
-1700 m
Walking time
6-7 hrs
Petersgrat

Early in the morning, we continue over the Kanderfirn to the Petersgrat and enjoy the view over the Bernese and Valais Alps in the morning sun. One can only imagine the courage it took to attempt the first glacier landings. Even though mountain flying is controversial today, the lives of many people have been and continue to be saved by these brave rescue pilots.
Descent

We leave the glacier via the Uisters Valley and descend to Blatten in Lötschental. Return journey in the afternoon.

Whats included

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

Not included

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

Pack list

Backpack 25-30 l

Warm, functional clothing
Wind jacket or GTX jacket
Shell 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
Harness
Hiking pole

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

You might also like