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 part leads us to the Mönchsjochhütte. An hour's steady hike over glaciated landscape, with the south face of the Mönch towering above us. From the hut, we descend into the 'Eternal Snowfield'. The name of the glacier 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 glacier bowl below the Walcherhorn – time for a short break before the actual summit climb begins. The final slope demands concentration. We hike up amongst some crevasses until the summit lies ahead. Here it becomes rockier, and the last few meters require surefootedness.

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 an unforgettable climb.