Glacier Tour from Grimsel Pass to Grindelwald
Hike across 4 glaciers in 4 days during this multi-day tour from the Grimsel Pass to Grindelwald. Your journey will take you over the Unteraar-, Finsteraar- and Strahlegg glaciers as well as the Obere Ischmeer. The crossing of the Strahlegg Pass is a highlight of this scenic tour, which offers an unforgettable experience for all glacier hikers.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Very Sporty
- Experience Level: Advanced
Group Tour (3-4 participants)
| 3 people | CHF 1395 per person |
| 4 people | CHF 1195 per person |
Private Tour
| 1-2 people | CHF 3895 per group |
| 3 people | CHF 1395 per person |
| 4 people | CHF 1195 per person |
To book a private tour please contact us:
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 750m | 250m | 10km | approx. 4-5 hours |
| 2 | 700m | 300m | 9km | approx. 4-5 hours |
| 3 | 750m | 950m | 8km | approx. 5-6 hours |
| 4 | 150m | 1350m | 6.5km | approx. 4-5 hours |
Day 1: Ascent to the Lauteraar hut 2393m
Meet your guide at the Grimsel Hospiz and cross the dam to reach the hiking trail on the other side of the reservoir. Hike along the Grimselsee until the end, and then venture into a unique and solitary landscape. You’ll come to the scree-covered Unterarr glacier and climb up to the Lauteraar hut. The hut towers high above the glacier and offers an incredible view.
Day 2: Over hill and dale to the Aarbiwak 2733m
From the hut you’ll descend over rocks back to the Unteraar glacier. You’ll overcome the moraine and hike comfortably on the glacier until it branches. Turn southwest and reach the Finsteraar glacier. This section will lead you along a deserted landscape of rock, ice, and snow. After the glacier branches again, you will reach the Strahlegg glacier. You’ll climb the lateral moraine and take a small path to the Aarbiwak, where you will rest and enjoy your evening.
Day 3: Over the Strahlegg pass to the Schreckhorn hut 2530m
The kind stage of this tour begins early in the morning. From the Aarbiwak you will return to the Strahlegg glacier. Initially the glacier is still quite flat, however it gets steeper and steeper until you reach the rocks at the far end of the valley. You’ll have an easy climb to reach the Strahlegg pass. Take in the view and enjoy a refreshment from your backpack. After the break, you’ll descend Obere Ischmeer and follow the glacier to below the Schreckhorn hut. A short hut leads you to your final accommodation of the tour. Enjoy a cool drink on the terrace as the sun slowly gives way to evening.
Day 4: Descent to Grindelwald
After a hearty breakfast you’ll leave the Schreckhorn hut and hike along the scenic mountain path towards the valley. Slowly you’ll leave the high mountains and return to civilization. You’ll have the option of stopping for something to eat at the Bäregghütte before continuing your hike to Pfingstegg. Take the cable car down to Grindelwald, where you’ll begin your journey home.
| Season | July - September |
| Departures for official tours | See "Closest Bookable Dates" |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 11:45am at the Grimsel Hospiz |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- 3 nights in bunk room with half-board
- Tea for the next day
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Costs for cable cars
- Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)
Here you see what kind of footwear you need for this tour. If you have bought new boots, we suggest you try them out on an easy hike before undertaking a tour.
Sneakers and simple trekking shoes are NOT allowed. You have to bring solid hiking or mountaineering boots. If they are cramponproof that would be good, but they don’t have to be.
Backpack
- 30-35l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
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
- Sling 120cm
- Locking carabiner
- Hiking poles
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.