Oberaar Glacier Hike

Sporty
2 days
Glacier hike at Grimsel Pass
Sunrise at 3,629 m (11,906 ft)
Up to 7 hours of hiking per day

Season:

June September

Departure Times

09:30
Berghaus Oberaar

Berghaus Oberaar

Key info

Experienced mountain hiker
No technical climbing skills required
At least 8 hours of hiking with a backpack
Surefootedness

Overview

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

Ascend through solitary glacier landscapes to the Oberaarjoch Hut, navigate crevasses, and feel the eternal ice. A tour full of alpine fascination.

This two-day tour takes you from the shores of Lake Oberaar across the glacier to the Oberaarhorn. The sunrise at 3,629 m (11,906 ft) and the breathtaking mountain scenery more than compensate for the effort. A true discovery journey for those who love the high mountains and are ready to explore new paths.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Ascent to the Oberaar Glacier
Distance
9 km
Ascent
+950 m
Descent
-50 m
Walking time
6 hrs
Arrival

Arrive independently at Berghaus Oberaar, where we check our equipment.
Glacier Hike

Our hike begins with crossing the dam and following the shore of Lake Oberaar. After a break at the end of the lake, we rope up to ascend the Oberaar Glacier. The path leads us steadily uphill through an impressive glacier landscape until we reach the Oberaarjoch. The final meters involve ladders and steps in the rock to the hut.
Oberaarjoch Hut

We enjoy the unique panorama and relax in the evening.
Day2
Day 2: Summit Ascent and Return
Distance
10 km
Ascent
+500 m
Descent
-1500 m
Walking time
6-7 hrs
Summit Tour

In the dark, we ascend over rocks towards the Oberaarhorn. The first meters are steep, then the ascent levels out. At the top, we are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise and views of the surrounding peaks. After a break, we descend back to the Oberaarjoch Hut.
Descent

With renewed energy, we pack our gear and begin the return journey to Berghaus Oberaar.

What's 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
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks

Hiking boots or 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 point
Activity location

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