Meeting point
Stechelberg (at the Hotel & Restaurant)
Rütti, 3824 Stechelberg
Jungfrau Rottal Ridge
2 days
Challenging ridge climbing
Solitary alternative to the normal route
Over 3,000 meters of ascent
Season:
June September
Departure Times
10:30
Stechelberg (at the Hotel & Restaurant)
Stechelberg
Key info
Extensive mountaineering experience required
Hiking times of up to 9 hours with a backpack
Sure footedness and efficiency in moderate terrain
Climbing up to Grade 4 in rock and snow
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone who trades comfort for the view.
A solitary and varied route to the Jungfrau – the Rottal ridge offers rock and snow.
This climb is not for casual walkers. The Rottal ridge demands confident climbing, stamina, and the determination to push through. The reward? An unforgettable climb on one of the most famous 4000ers in the Alps, a route that few take and must be earned.
Itinerary
Meeting points Day1
Day 1: Hike to the Rottal Hut
We meet in Stechelberg. The Hike starts steeply right from the valley. Initially surrounded by lush greenery, the vegetation quickly becomes sparse. The path gets rockier, with some exposed sections, but always manageable. The final stretch runs parallel to the Rottal Glacier until the remote Rottal Hut is reached. The surroundings: wild, secluded, impressive. A quick glance at the Äebnifluh North Face, then dinner and early to bed – tomorrow will be a long day.
Distance
5 km
Ascent
+1850 m
Walking time
5-6 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Summit of the Jungfrau via the Rottal ridge
The climb begins in the dark. The ridge is easy at first but quickly becomes more demanding. Rock climbing in crampons, downward sloping limestone slabs, steep snow passages – surefootedness and concentration are essential. After the last climbing section, we transition to the high snowfield. Then the finale: The last meters in mixed terrain bring us to the summit of the Jungfrau. The view: vast, clear, unforgettable. After a break, we descend via the normal route and after a final re ascent reach the Jungfraujoch.
Distance
5.5 km
Ascent
+1550 m
Descent
-850 m
Walking time
7-9 hrs
What's included
Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Hut reservation
Summit Certificate
Not included
Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay in the biwak for guest and mountain guide
Snacks
Technical equipment
The Rottal Hut is not staffed. Guests pay the overnight fee on-site and cover the cost of purchasing dinner and breakfast.
Pack list
Backpack
Backpack 25-30 l
Clothing
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
Footwear
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Helmet
Basics
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
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
Ice axe
Helmet
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 point
Activity location