Lauteraarhorn

Mountain Remote alpine peak in Bernese Alps, glaciated ridges

A high peak in the Bernese Alps, Lauteraarhorn is sought by experienced alpinists for its sharp ridges and glaciated routes; approaches offer views over neighboring glaciers and high mountain terrain.

Main image
Main image

The Lauteraarhorn is a high mountain in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, located within the Canton of Bern and closely associated with the surrounding glacier system. It is one of the notable summits in the central Bernese range and rises above adjacent glaciers.

Climbing the peak requires glacier travel and alpine climbing skills, and routes typically involve snow and rock on steep slopes. The mountain forms part of the watershed feeding the Aare river and sits among a cluster of four-thousanders and glaciated ridges that attract mountaineers from across Europe.

The peak is a natural feature shaped by Alpine uplift and glaciation; it has long been visited by climbers since the development of alpinism in the 19th century and remains part of classic alpine objectives in the Bernese Oberland.

Geographically the summit overlooks the Unteraar and Lauteraar glaciers and lies in the high central Bernese Alps, within the administrative boundaries of the Canton of Bern.

  • Alpine mountaineering: Part of the Bernese Alps and closely associated with the glacier system feeding the Aare, the peak is a target for experienced mountaineers.

What to See #

  • Unteraar Glacier: The Unteraar Glacier lies on one side of the massif and contributes to the Aare river headwaters that drain the Bernese Alps.
  • Lauteraar Glacier: The Lauteraar Glacier occupies slopes adjacent to the peak and forms part of the glacial system in the central Bernese Alps.
Lauteraarhorn
Lauteraarhorn, Bernese Alps, Canton of Bern, Switzerland
46.5833, 8.1284
Open year-round (access limited by weather and season)
Free (mountaineering permits or guide costs apply)

How to Get to Lauteraarhorn #

Approaches typically start from valley towns such as Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen; access often uses alpine huts and established glacier routes. Local alpine clubs and mountain guide offices (e.g., Grindelwald) provide current route conditions and guide services.

Tips for Visiting Lauteraarhorn #

  • Climb only with proper alpine equipment and a certified guide - Lauteraarhorn is a serious alpine objective.
  • Check conditions at the nearby Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen guide offices; weather in the Bernese Alps can change rapidly.
  • Acclimatize and plan for glacier travel - crevasse hazards require rope teams and rescue preparedness.

Best Time to Visit Lauteraarhorn #

Summer months are the principal climbing season; spring snow conditions require expert assessment.

Summer climbing season
June-September · -5-10°C (alpine)
Most accessible for mountaineering; longer daylight and generally more stable weather.
Spring/early summer
May-June · -10-5°C (alpine)
Can offer good snow conditions but variable weather and avalanche risk.

Weather & Climate near Lauteraarhorn #

Climate

Lauteraarhorn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -15°C to 2°C. Moderate rainfall (621 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

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

January

January is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -10°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
9.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -11°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-15° -11°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -15°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-15° -11°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-13° -9°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-9° -5°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.3
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-5° -2°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-2°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-3° -1°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-6° -3°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-11° -7°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
8.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-13° -8°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
9.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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