Walcherhorn

The tour begins at Jungfraujoch, high up between the mighty Bernese peaks. After a brief orientation, we head through the tunnel out onto the glacier.

The first section leads us to the Mönchsjochhütte. An hour of steady ascent over the glaciated landscape, with the south face of the Mönch towering above us. From the hut, we descend into the 'Eternal Snowfield'. The name fits: white as far as the eye can see. Silence surrounds us, broken only by the constant crunch of crampons. After an hour, we reach the hollow below the Walcherhorn – time for a short break before the actual summit climb begins. The final ascent demands concentration. We follow an inconspicuous trail through the glacier hollows until the summit structure lies ahead. Here it becomes rockier, and the last few meters require a firm step.

Then it's done. The view falls on the south face of the Eiger, the deep green meadows of Grindelwald, the high peaks of the Bernese and Valais Alps. We enjoy the moment, sharing provisions and stories.

We hike back the same way. We might stop at the Mönchsjochhütte before returning to Jungfraujoch. The Walcherhorn may be an unknown peak, but the tour there is unforgettable.