Nadelhorn
Mountain Alpine peak in the Pennine Alps of Switzerland
A 4,000‑metre peak in Valais’s Pennine Alps, Nadelhorn draws mountaineers for classic alpine routes, glacier travel and high‑altitude panoramas toward the Mattertal and Dom massif.
The Nadelhorn is a 4,327-metre peak in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, and is part of the Pennine Alps. It is classed among the Alpine four-thousanders and is prominent within the Mischabel massif.
Climbers approach via ridge and glacier routes that link the Nadelhorn with neighbouring summits on the Mischabel chain. It is a common target for mountaineers aiming to climb multiple 4,000-metre peaks in the Valais region.
The peak became known to Alpine climbers during the 19th century as mountaineering in the Pennine Alps developed; since then it has been included in standard mountaineering lists and guidebooks. Routes and mountain hut support evolved as access and equipment improved.
Geographically the Nadelhorn lies on the Mischabel range between the Saas and Matter valleys in Valais, within Switzerland’s high Alpine zone.
- Elevation: Sits at 4,327 metres above sea level, making it one of the Alps' 4,000-metre peaks and a regular objective for Alpine mountaineers.
How to Get to Nadelhorn #
Common access points include the Saas Valley (Saas-Fee) and the Turtmann Valley; approach times vary by route. Local mountain huts provide staging for summit attempts and are accessed by marked trails from valley villages.
Tips for Visiting Nadelhorn #
- If attempting Nadelhorn, hire a guide unless familiar with high-Alpine rock and glacier travel-the mountain is a classic Alpine objective with serious exposure.
- Use Saas-Fee or Grächen as logistical bases; mountain huts on common routes typically require reservations.
- Acclimatize on nearby 3,000-3,500 m peaks before pushing a 4,000-metre summit.
Best Time to Visit Nadelhorn #
Nadelhorn is best climbed in the high-summer alpine season when routes are most stable; weather windows remain the decisive factor.
Weather & Climate near Nadelhorn #
Nadelhorn's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -17°C to 1°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -13°C and lows of -17°C. The wettest month with 33 mm of rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 13 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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