Obergabelhorn

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3 days
Glacier of the Obergabelhorn
Classic ridge climbing
High-altitude tour with bivouac overnight stay
4000-meter peak in the heart of the Valais Alps

Season:

July September

Departure Times

11:15

Zermatt Train Station

Key info

Extensive high-altitude experience required

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

Spectacular ridge climbing, a remote bivouac, and a 4000-meter peak with breathtaking views - this tour has it all.

Crossing the Obergabelhorn is a rewarding high-altitude tour in the Valais Alps. Challenging ridge climbing, a remote bivouac, and a long alpine descent make this tour unforgettable. If you're looking for narrow ridges, solid rock, and real challenges, this is the place to be. The reward: A summit moment at 4,063 meters above sea level with views of the surrounding Valais giants.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Arben Bivouac
From Zermatt, take the train to Schwarzsee, then follow a narrow path down to Stafelalp. The view of the steep walls of the Matterhorn is impressive. Across the valley, the path climbs steeply past the rushing Arbenbach. A few climbing sections with ladders and chains add variety. Continue over scree and snowfields to the Arben Bivouac at 3,224 meters above sea level. The spot is spectacular: surrounded by glaciers, rocks, and silence. Dry your shoes, gather strength, and prepare dinner together on the stove. Tomorrow is the big day.
Distance
8 km
Ascent
+1050 m
Descent
-450 m
Walking time
4-5 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Crossing the Obergabelhorn
We start in the glow of headlamps. The first climbing sections appear quickly. The Arbengrat demands concentration but offers solid rock and breathtaking views. Higher up, it gets steeper, and the final climbs require full effort. Then it's done: 4,063 meters above sea level. The view stretches from the Valais giants to Mont Blanc. The descent over the northeast ridge to the Wellenkuppe requires full attention again before we reach the Rothorn Hut via the Trift Glacier. A long, intense day full of exposed ridge climbing and unforgettable moments.
Distance
5 km
Ascent
+1000 m
Descent
-1000 m
Walking time
8-10 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Descent to Zermatt
After a short night, we start early. The path leads down over scree fields and alpine meadows, with the air becoming milder with each step. Far below, Zermatt emerges. One last look back: The Obergabelhorn rises sharply into the sky, and the ridges we crossed seem almost unreal from a distance.
Distance
7 km
Descent
-1700 m
Walking time
3-4 hrs

Whats included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for 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
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

The Arben Bivouac is unstaffed. Guests pay the overnight fee on-site and cover the cost of dinner and breakfast supplies.

The overnight stay with half-board for the mountain guide at the Rothorn Hut is included in the tour price. Guests pay for their overnight stay with half-board and other expenses directly at the hut.

Pack list

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

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