In the heart of the Valais, three giants offer their summit to hiking enthusiasts: the Gross Barrhorn (3,626 m), the ÜssersBarrhorn (3,610 m) and theInners Barrhorn (3,583 m). You don't need crampons to tread these heights. Each summit reveals a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding colossi - the Weisshorn, the Mischabels massif, the Bishorn - rise up in all their majesty. Up there, only wonder and contemplation can guide your steps.
1) Gross Bigerhorn: the new roof for Swiss hikers
Since 2024, the Bigerhorn has been Switzerland's highest summit that can be reached via a signposted path. The entire route from Gasenried can be covered in two days via the Bordierhütte; the new footbridge and a new path allow you to avoid the Riedgletscher. The panorama of the Nadelgrat, the Riedgletscher and the Valais 4000s is breathtaking.
Topo (2 days recommended) :
- Day 1: Gasenried (1,659 m) → Bordierhütte (2,886 m), via the new route: approx. 4 h .
- Day 2: Refuge → summit over the 3,148 m pass between Klein and Gross Bigerhorn, then over scree: approx. 2 h 30 (T3).
- Figures: 18.4 km, ± 2,205 m, ≈ 11 h (T4 for the whole race). Window: July - September depending on snow conditions.
Why go there? For the purity of the scenery and the feeling of moving "above" the glaciers, without setting foot on them - the view of the Mischabels massif is grandiose.
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2) Üssers Barrhorn - the great classic
Long cited as the highest hiking summit in the Alps (without mountaineering equipment), the Üssers Barrhorn remains an altitude race of unparalleled beauty. Today, the route to the Bigerhorn exceeds that of the Barrhorn by a few meters, but the Barrhorn still retains its aura and panoramic view.
Topo (from Turtmannhütte) :
- Route: Turtmannhütte (2,519 m) → Gässi → Üssers Barrhorn (3,610 m) → return by the same route.
- Time: 7 h-8 h round trip from the hut (varies according to fitness and weather conditions).
- Magnificent views of the Weisshorn, Mischabels massif, Brunnegg and Turtmann glaciers.
3) Inners Barrhorn: the jewel of the Valais
The hike is less famous than the first two, but the beauty of the scenery will charm you. The Inners Barrhorn is located before the summit the Üssers Barrhorn. It provides a superb platform from which to contemplate the Bishorn ridge and the glaciers below. The hike is an ideal complement to the Üssers Barrhorn, weather and physical conditions permitting.
Find out more on the Swiss Alpine Club website
Comparison
| summit | Altitude | Difficulty | Key data | Ideal season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Bigerhorn | 3 626 m | T3 between refuge and summit ; otherwise T4 | 18 km, ± 2,205 m, 11 h walk over 2 days | July-September |
| Üssers Barrhorn | 3 610 m | T3 via Turtmannhütte | 7-8 h round trip from Turtmann hut | July-September |
| Inners Barrhorn | 3 583 m | T3 | Bonus" addition to the Barrhorn race | July-September |
Additional hiking tips
These climbs require good physical condition and sure footedness, as the terrain features numerous scree slopes, overhangs and aerial sections, particularly on the Gässi. As far as the weather is concerned, it's essential to aim for a stable window of opportunity - if there's a storm, turn back - and to set off early in the morning. Equipment should include mountain boots, poles and breathable, warm layers to cope with wind and cold. Logistically, an overnight stay in a hut is highly recommended: the Bordierhütte for the Bigerhorn, the Turtmannhütte for the Barrhörner.
Three ways to embrace the high mountains... on foot
Each summit has its own soundtrack: on the Bigerhorn, the joy of a historic trail that has become Switzerland's highest; on the Üssers Barrhorn, the great school of accessible altitude; on the Inners, the tranquillity of a twin belvedere. Three simple gestures - walk, breathe, look - to touch the sublime without rope or glacier.
