Gspaltenhorn

Mountain Alpine peak in Bernese Alps with steep ridges

The Gspaltenhorn sits in the Bernese Alps and attracts mountaineers for its steep north face and mixed rock‑ice routes; approaches use alpine huts and technical climbing skills for exposed ridgelines.

Main image

Gspaltenhorn is a 3,436-metre peak in the Bernese Alps in the Canton of Bern. It is known for its steep faces, glaciated flanks and classic alpine silhouette.

The mountain attracts climbers for mixed glacier and rock routes that require alpine experience, technical skills and seasonal judgment. The terrain includes crevassed glaciers and steep couloirs that present objective hazards in poor conditions.

Gspaltenhorn forms part of the high Bernese-Alpine groups and is approached from valleys such as the Kander valley, with access via mountain huts and established climbing routes. It is a conspicuous summit in the regional alpine skyline.

  • Technical nature: Elevation 3,436 metres and routes involve glacier travel and exposed rock, so ascents are suitable for experienced alpinists with proper equipment.
Gspaltenhorn
46.5116, 7.8273

How to Get to Gspaltenhorn #

Common approaches start from the villages in the Bernese Oberland; access is typically via mountain roads to trailheads and alpine huts. Regional trains and buses connect to valley towns such as Kandersteg and Gsteig bei Gstaad; precise routes depend on chosen climbing itinerary.

Tips for Visiting Gspaltenhorn #

  • Gspaltenhorn requires mountaineering skills-ropes, crampons and good route knowledge are essential for many ascents.
  • Hire a certified mountain guide and check local alpine club route reports before attempting.
  • Summer routes are classical for scrambling; winter climbs are technical and demand avalanche expertise.

Best Time to Visit Gspaltenhorn #

Summer offers the safest access for mountain travel; winter demands full alpine gear and experience.

Summer (Jun-Sep)
Jun-Sep · 2°C to 15°C
Main climbing season with reduced snow on rock routes.
Late Spring (May)
May · -5°C to 8°C
Snow lingers on north aspects; good for ski-mountaineering with experience.
Winter (Dec-Mar)
Dec-Mar · -20°C to -2°C
Technical alpine climbs and high avalanche risk-only for experienced parties.

Weather & Climate near Gspaltenhorn #

Climate

Gspaltenhorn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -12°C to 7°C. Moderate rainfall (772 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-29°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-12° -7°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-12° -8°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -12°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-12° -8°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° -6°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° -1°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-3°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° -4°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° -6°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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