4000m peaks

At an imposing 4,634 metres above sea level, the Dufourspitze rises out of the Monte Rosa massif. This is Switzerland’s highest mountain peak.

The origin of its name is a mystery. But one thing is clear: the Dom is the highest Swiss mountain whose base is entirely in Swiss territory.

The Matterhorn: Switzerland’s most famous landmark. 4478 meters high and with its characteristic pyramid-shaped silhouette, this is probably the most photographed mountain in the world. You will be amazed by this majestic peak – whether hiking, skiing or from the comfort of a viewpoint.

Next to the Eiger and the Mönch, in the Bernese Alps, the Jungfrau towers up into the sky. As imposing as the mountain itself is, the view while climbing it is just as impressive.

The summit ridge of the Alphubel looks more like a hill than a mountain peak. The ascent of this four-thousand-metre peak in the Allalin group is challenging and requires an excellent level of fitness.

Not far from Zinal, the striking peak of the Zinalrothorn stretches up into the sky. It is a classic alpine climbing peak, making it popular among mountaineers.

At first glance, the Stecknadelhorn doesn’t look particularly spectacular. But anyone climbing this mountain in the Mischabel group will also traverse the Nadelgrat ridge – an absolute highlight for any mountain climber.

Its name comes from the Swiss-German word “Weissmies”, meaning white moss, or to put it another way, snow. It forms the main summit of the Weissmies group close to Saas-Fee.

Although the Strahlhorn is technically on the easier side, it requires an extremely high level of fitness. It sits in the Valais Alps, above Saas-Fee.

The first person to climb it was an Austrian named Ludwig von Welden. The Ludwigshöhe, the southernmost four-thousander in Switzerland, can be climbed over a range of challenging routes.

The Allalinhorn is part of the Mischabel chain. It is one of the easier four-thousand-metre peaks, making it extremely popular with climbers.

A challenging and treacherous mountain in the Valais Alps. Also known as “the man-eater” – it’s only for experienced mountain climbers.

The Grosses Fiescherhorn is entirely surrounded by glaciers and is a real eye-catcher, in particular because of its impressive steep north face. It lies on the Bern–Valais cantonal border.

The Hobärghorn is part of the Nadelgrat (needle ridge), a popular crossing route and one of the most beautiful in the Alps. Mostly, mount climbers set off from the Dom Hut.

This is the highest peak in the canton of Graubünden. Piz Bernina stands out due to its almost freestanding nature and as a result also offers unique far-reaching views from its summit.

The Lenzspitze, also referred to as “Südlenz”, is characterised by an extremely steep ice wall. It is part of the Mischabel group in the Valais Alps.

The Dürrenhorn lies at one end of the Nadelgrat ridge, and is somewhat hidden away and less popular as a result. The climb is a treacherous one, partly because of an increased risk of rockfall.

This four-thousander gets its name from Joseph Zumstein, who was the first person to climb it. The Zumsteinspitze lies in the middle of the Monte Rosa massif, between Dufourspitze and Signalkuppe.

The Grand Combin de la Tsessette is part of the Grand Combin massif, which really lives up to its nickname: the “Swiss Himalaya”. That’s because the mountain massif is surrounded by thick glacial layers.

From every angle, the Rimpfischhorn presents a different side of itself: some parts glaciered, others steep and rocky. The peak is easily recognisable thanks to its distinctive shape.

The Dent d'Hérens offers one of the most spectacular climbs of a four-thousander. The mountain overlooked by the Matterhorn is part of the Grenzkamm ridge on the Swiss–Italian border.

As part of the three famous peaks, the Mönch is extremely popular, and not just with mountaineers. But the mountain is very challenging and should not be underestimated, no matter how many visitors it has.

Not far from Zermatt sits the largely ice-covered Dent Blanche. It forms one end of the Zinal Valley and offers a great challenge for experienced mountaineers.

The uncrowned queen of the Mischabel group, that sits above the Valais village of Täsch. The climb up to the summit is an experience in itself!

On the Swiss side, the renowned Monte Rosa Hut serves as a starting point for climbs up to the Parrotspitze. This peak can be found in the Monte Rosa massif.

One of the twin Breithorn peaks above Zermatt. A popular venture for less experienced climbers of four-thousanders, easily accessible via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise upper station.

Zermatt’s Breithorn has the following peaks and points: the Western Breithorn (main summit, 4,164m), the Central Breithorn (4,156m), the Breithorn Saddle (the lowest point of the summit ridge: 4,020m), the Breithorn Twins: Eastern Breithorn (4,138m) and Gendarm (4,106m); Roccia Nera (4,073m).

Although it has strong competition in the form of the neighbouring Matterhorn, for many people the Obel Gabelhorn with its uniform shape is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Alps. But it’s not just its outward appearance that makes it one of a kind, but its climb too.

One of the twin Breithorn peaks above Zermatt. A popular venture for less experienced climbers of four-thousanders, easily accessible via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise upper station.

The Grand Combin de Grafeneire is part of the Grand Combin massif, which really lives up to its nickname of the “Swiss Himalaya”. That’s because the mountain massif is surrounded by thick glacial layers.

The northernmost peak of the Monte Rosa massif is also the second-highest peak in Switzerland. And visitors often like to return and make the ascent multiple times!

The Hinter Fiescherhorn only rises slightly above the firn line between the three peaks of the Fiescherhorn massif. It has nevertheless earned the right to be recognised as a separate four-thousand-metre peak, and a popular one at that.

Scarcely more than 4,000 metres above sea level, the Lagginhorn overlooks the Valais Alps. Although the ascent also packs a punch, attention should be paid to the challenging descent in particular.

Among the snow-capped twin peaks Pollux and Castor, Pollux is not as high, and also the less challenging of the two. But the summit route really packs a punch.

This physically challenging four-thousander lies in the Valais Alps and consists of two peaks. It was a woman who first climbed its eastern peak!

The Grand Combin de Valsorey is part of the Grand Combin massif, which really lives up to its nickname: the “Himalaya of Switzerland”. That’s because the mountain massif is surrounded by thick glacial layers.