Faulhorn
Mountain Alpine summit offering panoramic Bernese Alps views
Faulhorn sits on a ridge above Lake Brienz in the Bernese Alps, reachable by long hikes or mountain trails. Walkers stop at the historic summit hotel, photograph alpine panoramas and continue routes toward Grindelwald or First.
Faulhorn is a mountain peak in the Bernese Alps, Canton of Bern, rising to an elevation of about 2,681 metres. It is a well-known hiking summit offering broad alpine views.
The summit and its guesthouse have been frequented by walkers since the 19th century as alpine tourism grew in the Bernese Oberland; the area developed gradually with paths and simple tourist facilities to serve visitors. The site retains its traditional role as a routed mountain objective rather than a technical climbing peak.
Located in the Bernese Oberland, Faulhorn sits between the valleys above Lake Brienz and the Grindelwald area, within Canton Bern and reachable from nearby mountain transport hubs and trailheads.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 2,681 metres, making it a prominent viewpoint in the Bernese Oberland and a common objective for hikers.
- Access considerations: Accessible by marked summer hiking trails from nearby mountain stations; snow can close routes in shoulder seasons so local conditions determine access.
What to See #
- Faulhorn summit and guesthouse: Summit area including the century-old mountain guesthouse known as Faulhornhaus and the rocky summit plateau that offers panoramic views across the Bernese Alps and lakes below.
- Hiking routes: Hiking routes linking First (Grindelwald) to Schynige Platte and other nearby alpine trails, commonly used by day hikers and multi-day trekkers.
How to Get to Faulhorn #
Popular access points are the First (near Grindelwald) or the Schynige Platte rack railway. Hikes typically start from mountain stations reached by cable car or railway; check local timetables and trail conditions before attempting the route.
Tips for Visiting Faulhorn #
- Start early if hiking from First or Schynige Platte to avoid afternoon storms
- Bring layers and sunscreen: the summit is exposed and conditions change quickly
- If not climbing, take the Faulhornbahn hike from Grindelwald or the cableways to nearby viewpoints
Best Time to Visit Faulhorn #
Summer months provide the most reliable trail conditions and views; avoid winter unless properly equipped for snow and ice.
Weather & Climate near Faulhorn #
Faulhorn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1264 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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