Weisshorn

The Weisshorn is the secret star among the 4,000-metre peaks around Zermatt. It boasts a pleasing, symmetrical triangular shape; for mountaineers, it offers a thrilling challenge.

The Weisshorn (right) and Zinalrothorn (far left).

The pyramid-shaped Weisshorn in its white, glacier-decked glory.

The Weisshorn seen from the south: an almost symmetrical triangle.

The triangular shape of the Weisshorn is fascinating.

Height
4,505 m

First ascent
19 August 1861

First climbed by
John Tyndall, Johann Joseph Benet, Ulrich Wenger

Tips in the village of Zermatt

Zermatlantis, the Matterhorn Museum, with photos, reliefs, maps
Mountaineers’ cemetery

Tips for visitors

Sunnegga funicular up to Sunnegga. Best view of the Weisshorn.

Tips for hikers

Sunnegga - Tuftern - Sunnegga, in view of the Weisshorn
By train to Randa, hike from there to the Weisshorn hut (demanding)

Weisshorn: tips for mountaineers

Mountain guide necessary
2-day trip
Long, combined tour
Difficult

One of the most important 4,000-metre peaks of the Alps
The first ascent of the Weisshorn was on 19 August 1861 by John Tyndall, Johann Joseph Benet and Ulrich Wenger via the east ridge, now considered the normal route. The Weisshorn above Randa is considered one of the most important 4,000-metre peaks of the Alps. Although it cannot compete with the Matterhorn in terms of appearance, the Weisshorn is still relatively free-standing, and with its three ridges and faces forms a regular pyramid that is actually higher than the Matterhorn. In 2011, the people of Randa celebrated the 150^th anniversary of the first ascent, along with numerous mountain guides from the whole region.

Origin of name
“Weiss” means “white”: the north-east face of the Weisshorn, clearly visible from Randa, is always covered with snow.

Triple celebration
2011 was a special triple-anniversary year for Luzius Kuster, the warden of the Weisshorn hut. The Weisshorn was first climbed 150 years earlier; the Weisshorn hut had been open 111 years; and Luzius celebrated his 45th year as warden of the refuge. He first came to the cabin as a 20-year-old in 1966, staying for the summer “out of love for nature”, and remained – not least due to the generosity of his employer, who allowed him to be absent during the summer for several decades.

Reading
“Weisshorn – der Diamant des Wallis”, by Daniel Anker, Marco Volken. Published by AS Verlag, 2011. In German only. ISBN-10:3-909111-84-X

Map

Detailed map

Calculate the route