Baregg Hut Hike & Schreckhorn Hut Hike: Complete Guide

BAREGG HUT HIKE & SCHRECKHORN HUT HIKE

The Baregg Hut and Schreckhorn Hut Hikes offer ambitious hikers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and challenges of the Swiss Alps. Starting from Grindelwald, the hike to the Baregg Hut provides unparalleled views of the Upper Grindelwald Glacier. The trail offers a striking panorama of ice and rock, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks towering majestically in the backdrop. Further challenging and thrilling, the Schreckhorn Hut Hike starts from the Baregg Hut and elevates you to 2,529 meters above sea level. As the highest hut owned by the Swiss Alpine Club in the Bernese Alps, it offers awe-inspiring views of the Schreckhorn, the north face of the Eiger, and the Finsteraarhorn.

BAREGG HUT HIKE DETAILS

Hike Distance: The distance from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut is just 2.75km. However, the next day the hike to Schreckhorn and return to Baregg Hut is 11.8 kilometers and then the 2.75km return to Pfingstegg. So all up for this expedition it is 17.3km.

Hike Duration: 

• Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut: 48 minutes (If normal pace would be 1.5 hours)
• Baregg Hut to Schreckhorn Hut Return: 2 hours 54 minutes (If normal pace would be 4-5 hours)
• Baregg Hut to Pfingstegg: 28 minutes

Hike Difficulty: The path from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut is very easy with just a few hundred meters of incline. Because the Pfingsteggbahn (cable car) takes you most of the way to Baregg Hut, it is a great overnight hut stay for those not looking to hike 1000m+ of elevation.

The hike from Baregg Hut to Schreckhorn Hut is rated as a T4 alpine trail (blue and white markers). There were ladders and considerable moments of exposure. I found it to be a basic T4 and if you re okay with exposure (cables provided) and a few simple ladders, then it will be alright. No ropes or harnesses/gear was required.

Hike Incline: Starting point at Pfingstegg: 1,367m – Baregg Hut: 1,755m – Schreckhorn Hut: 2,529m

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HOW TO GET TO BAREGG HUT

The starting point for the Baregg Hut is at the Pfingsteggbahn. You can hike up beneath the Pfingsteggbahn or other access points but most people are catching the cable car to Pfingstegg and beginning from there. To reach the Pfingsteggbahn you will need to head to Grindelwald and either walk from Grund Station or park your car in the Pfingstegg parking lot (it costs per hour).

Once you reach Pfingstegg you will follow the yellow signs to Baregg Hut, which will guide you alongside the glacier canyon for 2.75km until you reach the hut.

If you have the Swiss Half-Card you will receive a huge discount on your tickets. I bought mine when I arrived in Switzerland and it has saved me over a thousand dollars throughout my trip.

I’ve attached my GPX map which you can download here for use on your Garmin, smartwatch or another app.

HOW TO BOOK A NIGHT AT BAREGG HUT

In order to book a night (or more) at Gleckstein Hut you will need to send an email, make a phone call or fill out the form on their website. They are not on other booking platforms, this is how the hut is booked.

• To email Gleckstein Hut you can contact them here: [email protected]
• To visit the website to make a booking you can do so here: Baeregg.com
• To make a booking via phone you can do so with this number: +41 (0) 33 221 10 80

WHAT IS INCLUDED WHEN YOU STAY AT BAREGG HUT

The way mountain huts generally work is that you reserve a bed and also your half-board is included, which means you get a great dinner and breakfast service. Depending on the hut you can also get tea and drinking water but some do charge for this pending availability. You can choose to stay overnight without half-board but understand that there is no ‘cafe’ around the corner. I think the only reason you would choose not to have half-board is if you arrived very late and left very early missing dinner and breakfast.

The price of one night at Baregg Hut with half-board (two meals) is: $86

MY EXPERIENCE HIKING TO BAREGG HUT

I began my day in Interlaken and caught the train to Grindelwald where I then walked from Grund Station to the Pfingsteggbahn. After arriving at Pfingsteggbahn Station, I caught the cable car up to Pfingstegg where you will find a nice restaurant and lots of activities for the kids. There are playgrounds, games and even a toboggan. I jumped on the toboggan costing $6 to have a little bit of fun before heading off on the hike.

This is how my ride on the toboggan went…

After playing around for a little bit at Pfingstegg, it was time to head off on the hike. Unlike many in trails Switzerland, it is quite a short journey and is only a 2.75km walk from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut. This makes it perfect for the casual hiker or the older hiker who wants to stay overnight in a mountain hut.

The trail follows along the edge of the cliff, alongside the Lower Grindelwald Glacier… or at least where the glacier used to be. This hike shows you exactly how much the glacier has receded in the last century and a half. Although the hike is short you will still find some incline of a few hundred meters, which should be okay for most to navigate at their own pace. There are no moments of exposure or danger.

I arrived at the hut in the late afternoon and dropped my gear off in the dormitory, got changed, and went outside to enjoy the scenery. The dormitory-style rooms have nice bunk beds with comfortable mattresses and brilliant views even from the bunks themselves. Inside the mountain hut, you will find showers, bathrooms, a dining room, and lots of areas to hang out, play cards and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. 

Outside the hut, the Grindelwald Glacier is providing an epic backdrop to the scene with views in the direction leading you all the way back to Grindelwald Town. While we had dinner, I continually ducked outside taking photos of the majestic light rays flooding into the valley. That is the beauty of staying overnight at the hut. You can enjoy the sunset from the comfort of the hut in your socks and slippers without having to worry about hiking down in the dark.

I enjoyed a great night’s sleep and woke up for an early breakfast at around 6 am. I hung out at the hut during sunrise and it was an absolute burner. Pinks filled the sky and the alpenglow on the glacial peaks was immense. After the sunrise, I then set off to hike to the next hut, which is called Schreckhorn Hut. 

BAREGG HUT TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

The hike from Baregg Hut to Schreckhorn Hut is a bit more challenging than the route from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut. It’s a 12km round-trip hike back to Baregg with over 1000m of incline. It is also rated a T4 difficulty alpine trail as it has some cables, ladders, and areas of exposure. I photographed the ‘dangerous’ spots so you can decide if it is within your abilities/limits to traverse this route.

The trail begins by wrapping around the glacier and down the hill along the rocky/dirt trail. The morning light on the glacier was sublime!

At this point, the T4 details of the hike emerge with a series of ladders and cable-assisted rock climbing required. I didn’t find any of it too difficult but those with a fear of heights or not much bouldering experience may not feel comfortable. You can always turn back at this point and it’s probably still worth the hike from Baregg Hut as you see a lot of the glacier already that you couldn’t from Baregg. I’ve photographed as many of the T4 elements as possible to help you decide if you are up for the challenge or not.

Aside from the ladders and cables, you do have to climb 1000+ meters, which is a challenge in itself so definitely gear up for an adventure! The views of the glacier that are within touching distance throughout the trail make it all worth it! The trail is signed all the way from Baregg so it is almost impossible to get lost!

After 1 hour and 45 minutes, I made it up to Schreckhorn Hut. Only one other hiker was there that early and we enjoyed the sun out on the terrace and shared a few stories over a vegetable soup and some coffee. You can also stay overnight at Schreckhorn Hut and it is the base camp for several climbs in the area that involve guides, equipment, and a higher level of experience.

I hung out here at the hut for about an hour taking it all in while the sun spread across the glacier. As my soup friend headed off, I snapped a few photos of him crossing the path alongside the glacier.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SCHRECKHORN HUT

1. Highest SAC Hut in the Bernese Alps: The Schreckhorn Hut, standing at an altitude of 2,529 meters, holds the title for being the highest Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hut in the Bernese Alps. This makes it a coveted destination for serious hikers and climbers who are eager to conquer significant heights.
2. The base for climbing Schreckhorn: The hut serves as an essential base for mountaineers aiming to ascend the Schreckhorn, which is the northernmost peak rising above 4,000 meters in the Alps. The peak is known for its technical climbing routes, making the hut a crucial stop for climbers to rest, acclimate, and prepare for the challenging ascent.
3. Incredible Panoramas: Schreckhorn Hut is renowned for the dramatic views it offers. From the hut, one can marvel at panoramic vistas of the Eiger’s north face, the Finsteraarhorn, and, of course, the Schreckhorn itself. The location also allows for a bird’s eye view of the Unteraar and Lauteraar glaciers, making it a treasure trove for landscape and nature photographers.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BAREGG HUT

1. Impressive Vantage Point: The Baregg Hut offers an incredible vista of the Upper Grindelwald Glacier, a truly majestic sight. Witnessing the glacier from this close-up vantage point is a humbling experience, which also brings awareness to the rapid retreat of these glacial bodies due to climate change.
2. Intriguing History: The Baregg Hut has a rich and interesting history, which adds to its charm. Originally built in 1904, the hut was heavily damaged in the Second World War. It was then rebuilt in the 1950s and has since been a landmark in the Bernese Alps.
3. Access to Multiple Hiking Trails: The Baregg Hut acts as a key point for several exciting hikes and mountaineering routes. Apart from the Schreckhorn Hut hike, it is also the starting point for the Alpine Pass Route and the trail to the Lower Grindelwald Glacier, offering a range of adventures to suit different levels of hiking expertise.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GRINDELWALD GLACIER

1. Two-in-One: The Grindelwald Glacier is actually composed of two separate glaciers: the Upper Grindelwald Glacier and the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. Both glaciers have been significant attractions for centuries, drawing visitors with their stunning ice formations and majestic Alpine settings.
2. Rapid Retreat: Like many glaciers worldwide, the Grindelwald Glaciers are experiencing rapid retreat due to climate change. In fact, the Lower Grindelwald Glacier has been one of the most closely monitored glaciers in the Swiss Alps, with records of its changes dating back to the 16th century. This provides scientists with valuable long-term data for climate research.
3. Ice Grotto: The Lower Grindelwald Glacier is known for its ice grotto, a man-made tunnel that was first carved into the glacier in 1870. While the grotto had to be closed due to the glacier’s retreat, it once allowed visitors to walk deep into the heart of the glacier and witness the mesmerizing blue ice from the inside.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!

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The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.

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