Bäregg Hut Hike & Schreckhorn Hut Hike – All you need to know

Embark on a remarkable 2 day hiking adventure in Grindelwald by combining the two incredible hikes to the Bäregg Hut (1775m) and the Schreckhorn Hut (2529m). Or simply hike to the Bäregg Hut (1775m) on its own.

For those with boundless energy, the possibility exists to conquer Schreckhorn Hut (2529m) from Grindelwald and back in a single day. However, this demands exceptional fitness and stamina, and it’s a challenge not to be taken lightly.

If you opt for a two-day hiking expedition in Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland, it will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Bäregg Hut (Bäregghütte) and Schreckhorn Hut (Schreckhornhütte SAC).

Trail Facts: For those eager to delve straight into the trail facts and hiking map to Bäregg Hut & Schreckhorn Hut, click here

Bäregg Hut Hike & Schreckhorn Hut Hike – In a Nutshell

Both hikes are nestled in Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland, part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau not far away.

The starting point is the Pfingstegg Bahn or its summit station.

The trail leading up to Bäregg Hut meanders below the North wall of the Fiescherwand, offering stunning views of numerous peaks and glaciers.

Continuing from Baregg Hut, the hiking trail traverses the Banisegg spur at 1808m and leads to the Rots Gufer at 1990m. (T4 section).

A short section on a T4 hiking trail awaits. This T4 section of the alpine trail has ladders, cables, and involves some climbing. This section is only recommended for experienced hikers.

The final stretch requires some strength and effort, but once you reach the old Glacier Moraine, all the hard work pays off. Schreckhorn Hut is just a few more steps away, offering a breathtaking view!

Hiking Distance

• Pfingstegg Summit Station to Bäregg Hut is just 2.8 km, one way. Count 1.5 to two hours with an increase of 408 metres in altitude.
• Bäregg Hut to Schreckhorn Hut,  5.4km one way. Count 3-4 hours with an ascent of  760 meters in altitude.
• Highest point at Schreckhorn Hut: 2,530 m

Remember if you do it in one day the whole return distance is 16.4 km taking the gondola to and from Pfingstegg. And an estimated hiking time of 9 hours with a total ascent/descent of 1232 metres.

This is a pretty long hiking day, so if you can, spend the night in either the Berghaus Bäregg or at Schreckhorn Hütte.

How to get to Bäregg Hut

Whether you hike only to Bäregg Hut or all the way to Schreckhorn hut, both have the same starting point; Pfingstegg in Grindelwald.

• By Train: Grindelwald is easily reached by train, accessible from Interlaken. From the Grindelwald terminal, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the bus station. Hop on Bus 122 to Pfingstegg Bahn.
• By Car: Drive directly to Pfingstegg Bahn, where you’ll find ample parking (payable).

Opening Hours of the Pfingstegg Bahn

Remember, this hike is only possible during peak summer from July to September. If you’re unsure, it’s better to call Schreckhorn Hut to see if the trail is still open. The hut is occupied from Mid June to end of September

If you want to shorten your ascent and descent with the Pfingstegg Bahn, here are the opening times:

• Pfingstegg – Grindelwald: 08:45 – 19:00 (peak season until September 1st). After, until October 20th, the gondola’s last descent is at 18:00. Check their website

More Tips: The Bernese Oberland and Grindelwald Regions have so much to offer. Discover other activities and things to do when visiting this area.

Starting the Hike to Bäregg Hut (Bäregghütte)

If you’d like to save an hour of hiking and 380 meters of ascent, take the Pfingstegg Bahn up to Pfingstegg. Alternatively, you can start your hike from the bottom.

Here’s my advice: Since there’s still considerable altitude to climb, I’d highly recommend riding the gondola. For those determined to tackle the full ascent, the trail starts near the camping area further down from the Pfingstegg station. As you ascend, take in the breathtaking views of the Eiger-Mittelegigrat.

Good to Know: At Pfingstegg summit station, you’ll find a cool summer sled run, the Pfingstegg Fly Line adventure park, and a fantastic family picnic area. So, if hiking isn’t on your itinerary, Pfingstegg in Grindelwald is a perfect spot to spend the day with your family.

Bäregg Hut (Bäregghütte)

The next 2.7 km will lead you to the Bäregg Hut, a privately-owned mountain refuge. This part of the hike is easily manageable with kids. Some sections of the path are secured with safety barriers, allowing you to walk with your children safely.

As you continue, the imposing Fiescherwand comes into view, enhancing the hike with its breathtaking presence.

The path now follows straight into the valley, almost like a balcony, climbing steadily. To the right, steeply sloping rocks offer remarkable views of the Grindelwald glacier gorge, about 300 metres below in the valley floor.

The Final Ascent to Bäregg Hut takes you through a herd of sheep. Take a moment to turn around and enjoy the view down to Grindelwald.

Overnight at Bäregg Hut (Bäregghütte)

To break down the 1230m of altitude gain, I highly recommend spending the night at Bäregg Hut. The mountain refuge offers multi-bed rooms and serves food. Its location offers stunning views of the Fiescher Glacier and Grindelwald. While it might not offer the typical mountain hut sunrise, it’s still a beautiful place to spend the night. Make your reservation here

Hike to Schreckhorn Hut including a T4 Alpine Route

As mentioned above, the Schreckhorn Hut (Schreckhornhütte SAC) is located in the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. You soon will understand why it is a protected area. The sheer beauty is insane.

Schreckhornhütte is a traditional Swiss mountain hut belonging to the SAC (Schweizer Alpen Club)  and is in a high alpine location.  To be so close to the glacier that you can touch them makes this hike so special.

The hut trail is one of the most beautiful in the Swiss Alps, which alone makes the several-hours climb worthwhile. Because the hut is the starting point for various routes to the 4000 metre peaks like the Schreckhorn and Lauteraarhorn, make sure you reserve your room well in advance if you would like to spend the night there.

Get ready for some stunning mountain views on the next 5.5 km to Schreckhorn Hut. The path markings now change from white-red-white to white-blue-white, indicating Alpine Terrain.

Alpine Hiking; Alpine Hiking trails are marked white-blue-white.

You’ll see signs like this from T3 graded hiking routes onwards. For a T4, it’s essential to have solid trekking boots and be familiar with exposed terrain. You need the ability for terrain assessment and alpine experience.

This trail is quite exposed, with fall hazards, jagged rocks, and easily navigable snow-free glaciers.

You’ll encounter climbing with the use of hands on most of these trails, and you may find ladders and cables for support on exposed sections. You should not suffer from vertigo.

Travel Tip:  If you travel for several days in Switzerland, look at getting The Swiss Travel Pass. Or if you prefer to rent a car we suggest Discover Cars for your chosen rental agency.

From Bäregg Hut To Bänisegg (1808 metres)

The path narrows and becomes a bit more exposed. When you reach the gravel field, the old path is no longer passable. You must climb up and then zig-zag approximately 50m down to the original path.

In just under an hour, you’ll reach Bänisegg, a perfect place to look back towards Bäregg Hut and the imposing glacier right in front of you.

From here, we enter deeper into the valley, away from all views of civilisation, and the Schreckhorn (4078 m) becomes visible. Continue to Rots Gufer.

From Rots Gufer to Schreckhorn Hut – T4 Hiking Trail

Up to this point, I’d say everyone can manage the hike. It’s a bit steep in some sections, but nothing too strenuous, in my opinion.

We have now reached the key point: Rots Gufer and the ascent to Schreckhorn Hut.

This is the T4 section of this hike.

During this approximately 100 metre ascent, you’ll encounter steel cables and chains, climb with the help of metal footholds and via two steel ladders. You’ll need to climb a ladder and cross a small waterfall, all securely anchored.

The path is newly set every spring as everything is taken down for the winter months. This ensures the trail is in excellent condition and well-secured.

Personally, I didn’t find it particularly difficult or too exposed. But you need to stay focused during this section as one wrong foot could lead to a dangerous fall. The next few photos will show you how this section looks like.

The last bit is still steep and requires more energy. But then, finally, you’ll reach the view of Schreckhorn Hut lying at 2529 meters and the Schreckhorn. What a place! Every bit of pain of the ascent is soon forgotten.

Good to Know: Instead of spending the night at Bäregg Hut, you can sleep at Schreckhorn Hütte right next to the glacier. This might be a good idea, especially if you’re doing it in one day. Remember, you still need to hike back down to Pfingstegg, with almost 1300 metres of altitude change.

Map of Bäregg Hut Hike & Schreckhorn Hut Hike

Click on the map to get full access to the hiking profile.

Conclusion of the Bäregg Hut Hike & Schreckhorn Hut Hike

To date, this remains one of the most amazing hikes I’ve done. You may have noticed I did this hike without the kids. I went with friends, and it was good like this. It’s quite a challenging hike and not to be underestimated, especially if done in one day. Think about your knees. If I were to do it again, I would sleep at the Schreckhorn Hut.

If you like the scenery and would like to sleep in a Swiss Mountain Cabin with kids, then choose to hike to Bäregg Hut. This is definitely an achievable hike for the whole family.

Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare-Card

This is without a doubt, the most common question people ask me when travelling to Switzerland. Which ticket to buy? I hope with the explanation below this helps in making the right choice for your travel itinerary to Switzerland.

Swiss Half fare Card

OPTION 1: Travel for half the price with your Swiss Half Fare Card.

This is a great option if you use public transportation in Switzerland. With this card you get 50% off every regular train, tram, bus, boat and even many cable cars are included. It only costs Chf 190 (208USD) but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets for longer journey in Switzerland costing close to Chf 100 (100USD) alone.

If you are staying for more than 5 days in Switzerland and traveling on the public transport system, I suggest buying the annual Swiss Half-Fare Card.

(Youth Chf 160, Children 6-16 years of age travel free with the Junior Card Chf 30.- annual fee). All prices are in 2nd class.

Swiss Travel Pass

OPTION 2: The Swiss Travel Pass, the all-in-one ticket for Switzerland.

This is perfect if you stay more than 5 days in Switzerland and travel a lot around on the public transport system. This pass will give you unlimited train, tram, bus, boat and even many cable cars are included. There are different options you can choose 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days of travel. You also have free admission to more than 500 museums.

Note that the Swiss Travel Pass has been developed for guests from abroad only. It is only available to persons permanently resident outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. The price starts from Chf 244.- (3 days) up to Chf 459.- (15 days) for adults above 25 years of age. Young adults aged from 16 to 25 will have to get the Swiss Travel Pass Youth for Chf 172.- (3 days). All prices are in 2nd class.

Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge on train, bus, boat and mountain railways with the complimentary Swiss Family Card

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

OPTION 3: Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass Flex: This is perfect if you spend longer in Switzerland, still travel a lot on the Swiss Public transport System, but NOT ON CONSECUTIVE days. You can choose from 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 freely selectable days within one month. With this option you simply activate the travel day on the Swiss Travel Pass Flex the night before. Adults above the age of 25 pay Chf 279.- for a 3 day pass , and youth (16 to 25) Chf 197.- All prices are in 2nd class.

More about Bernese Oberland -Grindelwald Region

The Bernese Oberland Region has so many amazing hikes, and tourist attractions that one day simply is not enough. Here are some of our top things to do in Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region.

• Visit Brienzer Rothorn with the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn
• Oeschinensee Panorama Hike
• Mürren – Allmendhubel Flower trail & Playground
• Bachalpsee Hike – Grindelwald First
• Grindelwald First Cliff walk

I hope that the information provided here for the Bäregg hut Hike & the Schreckhorn Hut Hike will prove useful.

If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience, so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well

Thanks for sharing it!