Mountain route to the Bortelhorn (3194m)

7.25 km long

Round trip

Difficulty: difficult

Condition: very difficult

Great panorama

High-altitude tour

Abstieg Richtung Gantertal — © Brig Simplon

6:00 h
7.25 km
1,085 m
1,085 m
2,105 m
3,194 m
Difficulty: difficult
Start: Bortelhütten
Destination: Bortelhütten

Looking up the Rhone Valley from Leuk, you see a pyramid at the end of the valley – the Bortelhorn. The challenging high-altitude route with climbing sections is rewarded with a breathtaking 360° view.

The route to the Bortelhorn (Italian Punta del Rebbio) in this description starts at the Bortelhütten. Please note that this is a high-altitude route. The path is not signposted and not visible on site in the scree. Piled-up rock formations help with orientation.

The summit tour can be done as a two-day hike. On the afternoon of the first day, you hike from Rosswald or Berisal to the Bortelhütten. Here you can get food and spend the night. The next morning after breakfast, you ascend the Bortelhorn.

If you are not experienced in mountain and alpine tours, you should definitely take a mountain guide.

Brig Simplon Tourismus AG

Pavements

Unknown (58%)

Trail (27%)

Path (15%)

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Directions

The route starts at the Bortelhütten. After about 1:20 hours of ascent, you reach a snowfield where you should put on crampons immediately. You cross the snowfield heading towards the Bortellücke. The final ascent of about 200 vertical meters to the Bortelhorn begins, secured by a rope. You conquer the ridge with light climbing and enjoy a great view of the Simplon area and back into the Rhone Valley.

Tour information

Loop Road
Stop at an Inn
Summit

Equipment

The following equipment should be taken on alpine hikes:

High mountain boots, possibly suitable for crampons
Gloves
Hat
Clothing adapted to the season and weather
Ice axe, rope, and safety equipment
Maps 1:25,000
Altimeter
First aid kit with rescue blanket
Mobile phone
Enough provisions

Directions & Parking facilities

Getting there

By bus or vehicle.

Parking

You can park for free in summer at the Rosswald valley station.

Public transportation

From Brig you can reach Rosswald by post bus and cable car.

Berisal is also accessible by post bus from Brig train station.

Additional information

Further information at the tourist office or from the SAC

Literature

Information is available at the tourist office or from the SAC.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Stay overnight at the Bortelhütte. You can not only get food here, but also enjoy a beautiful sunset in the Rhone Valley.

Safety guidelines

The following safety instructions should be considered for alpine hikes:

Choose a hike that matches your abilities
Mountain hiking is endurance sport. Only start in a healthy and rested state.
Be attentive on ascent and descent
Check the current weather forecast when planning. Turn back early in bad weather
Equipment should be adapted to the hike
Good hiking boots are mandatory
Always stay on marked trails. Avoid shortcuts
Regular breaks with food and drink are necessary to maintain concentration and performance
Solo hikes should be avoided. Inform others about your planned route.
Respect nature! Always take your rubbish with you and observe regulations in protected areas

All hikes are at your own risk. Insurance is the responsibility of the hiker.

Map

Hiking maps are available at the tourist offices in Brig, Simplon and Rosswald.