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 at a Glance#
Address: Faulhorn, Bernese Oberland, Canton of Bern, Switzerland (mountain summit, no postal address)
About Faulhorn#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -3° | -14° | 103 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -4° | -14° | 97 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -9° - -3° | -13° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 6.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -7° - -2° | -11° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | -2° - 3° | -5° | 105 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| June | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.8 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.0h |
| September | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 6.2 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -6° - 0° | -10° | 112 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -7° - -2° | -12° | 108 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
