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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 Zinal, the striking peak of the Zinalrothorn stretches up into the sky. It is a classic alpine climbing peak, making it popular among mountaineers.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

A mountain in the Bernese Alps that is relatively rarely climbed, with the Schreckhorn often being favoured instead. The Lauteraargrat is a more popular destination than the Lauteraarhorn.

A very striking and popular four-thousander on the Bern–Valais cantonal border. It can be easily recognised by its peak, which looks a little like a shark’s fin.

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.

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 second-highest peak in the Bernese Alps is also considered to be the coldest across the entire Alpine region. The highly glaciated Aletschhorn towers over the UNESCO-listed Jungfrau-Aletsch area.

The Liskamm traverse is particularly infamous. As is its western peak, also known as “the man-eater”.

The cable car up to Klein Matterhorn will make the ascent to Roccia Nera significantly easier. This peak is seldom climbed for itself, but rather as a way of accessing other climbs.

A popular destination close to Zermatt, suitable for mountaineers and non-mountaineers alike. The cable car makes the way up easier, making the Breithorn one of the easiest four-thousanders to climb.

The Gross Grünhorn sits in the Bernese Alps – but belongs to the canton of Valais. This is a multifaceted four-thousander peak with several appealing routes.

The Signalkuppe lies on the Swiss–Italian border. This mountain giant is home to Europe’s highest building: the Margherita Hut.

A popular route up the Castor starts at the Klein Matterhorn. The climbs is not as challenging compared with other mountain giants, but is by no means any less beautiful.