Mönch via Nollen

Advanced
2 days
Technically demanding ice tour
Steep north facing route
Tour for experienced mountaineers

Season:

December May

Departure Times

11:00
Station Eigergletscher

Eigergletscher Station

Key info

Years of extensive mountaineering experience & regular outings
Hiking times up to 10 hours with a backpack
Extensive rock and ice climbing experience
Surefootedness and efficient climbing in moderately difficult terrain

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

A trip for mountaineers seeking a true north face experience: Steep ice climbing, exposed sections, and a scenic summit.

The Mönch via Nollen is a challenging snow and ice climb with an alpine character. This north facing climb requires confident use of crampons and ice tools. You'll be rewarded with an impressive route through steep terrain and a solitary summit experience high above the Bernese Oberland.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Hut approach to Guggihütte
After the train ride to Eigergletscher, the path initially leads gently along the lateral moraine downhill. Then the uphill begins: Over scree, snow, and ice, we steadily climb up to the Guggihütte at 2,791 m above sea level. The small hut sits spectacularly above the valley, with a clear view of the Eiger, Mönch, and the glaciers below. Here we prepare for the coming day, study the route, and enjoy the silence of the mountains.
Distance
2.5 km
Ascent
+700 m
Descent
-200 m
Walking time
3 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Ice and snow climb via Nollen to the Mönch
We set off before dawn: Across rock bands and snow slopes, we reach the Mönch plateau. The route becomes steeper, and the 'Nollen' looms closer – an imposing ice bulge that we climb using ice tools and crampons. A snow plateau follows before the glacier steepens one last time. The final meters to the summit are pure joy: back in the sun with a vast view over the Bernese Alps. After a brief summit break, we descend via the southeast ridge and reach the train station at Jungfraujoch.
Distance
4.5 km
Ascent
+1350 m
Descent
-700 m
Walking time
7-8 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 Guggihütte is unstaffed. Guests pay the overnight fee on-site and cover the costs for dinner and breakfast supplies.

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
Sling 120 cm
Locking carabiners, approx. 3
Helmet
2 ice climbing axes
Microtraxion and / or Tibloc (if you have one)
Ice screw (if you have one)

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

Station Eigergletscher

Station Eigergletscher, 3823 Lauterbrunnen
DirectionsMore info
Meeting point
Activity location

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