Highest Mountain In Switzerland: Which Peak Gets The Crown?
Are you a keen hiker looking for your next adventure? Or do you simply love to know some geographical trivia? Either way, in this post you'll learn more about the highest mountain in Switzerland.
The European country is home to 10,850 peaks, which means you'll never be short of walking opportunities. These mountains form part of the Alps, which stretch through eight countries — Switzerland, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Lichtenstein, Monaco, and Slovenia.
While the views in each of these countries are staggering, we think Switzerland has the most picture-perfect mountains, that look as though they've been piped with icing and dusted with sugar.
When To Hike In The Swiss Alps
It's important to choose your timing wisely when planning a trip to hike in the Swiss Alps. The hiking season is short, between June and September. The best hiking opportunities are in July and August when the wildflowers are in bloom, there is limited snow on the peaks, and the sun sets late, leaving ample time to descend from the mountains.
Although these summer months are the busiest time to be heading to the Alps, this type of "busy" doesn't compare to a New York subway station. In fact, once you're out of the surrounding villages, it's likely that you will hike for hours without seeing a soul.
During July and August, the temperature reaches highs of around 16°C / 60°F, although, at night time, this drops to 5°C / 41°F.
June is a warm and pleasant month to hike the Alps, but be prepared as the highest rainfall takes place during May and June.
If you choose to visit the Alps in September, you'll experience stable conditions and low rainfall, and you'll barely see another person on your travels. The sun sets earlier than in the summer months, however, it doesn't go down until 7:30 PM, leaving you with a full day of hiking. You'll see evidence of fall making its quick approach in the mountains, with golden tones and cooler temperatures. Around the third week of September is when the huts start to close for the harsh winter months.
The climate can change quickly in the mountains and you should be prepared for all weather. While you may experience hot sunshine one minute, the next you could find yourself in a rainstorm.
4 Highest Mountains In Switzerland
If you're planning a trip, be sure to visit at least one of these four highest (and most outstanding) peaks in Switzerland.
Monte Rosa
Monte Rosa is the highest mountain in Switzerland, towering over the rest of the surrounding peaks at a staggering 4,634 meters tall.
The massif has four faces, three of which are in Italy, but the Swiss summit is the tallest and is named Dufourspritz. In fact, the mountain is the second-highest in the European Alps, after Monte Blanc (4810m).
Monte Rosa is just 13 kilometers / 8 miles from the nearby town of Zermatt and the starting point is Monte Rosa Hutte at 2,883 meters. In order to reach it, you can take a train from Zermatt to Rotemboden and follow the signs for the Gornergrat from there on foot.
The climb is moderate in difficulty and takes between two and four days to complete. The mountain is covered in snow year-round due to its altitude, so ensure you have lots of layers and provisions with you.
Dom
It's debated whether Dom should be named the tallest mountain in Switzerland, as Monte Rosa is mostly located in Italy. However, Dufourspritz still wears the crown and Dom is number two at 4,545 meters.
The summit is part of the Mischabel group and is the highest mountain that is located entirely on Swiss soil.
The starting point is the Dom Hut, at an altitude of 2,940 meters and the hike to the peak takes roughly 6-7 hours from there. The entire hike can be done in a day, although you will benefit from having a high level of physical endurance. From the Dom Hut, you should expect to be walking for around 10 hours with an early start.
In order to get to Dom mountain, you should stay in the nearby town of Randa.
The first ascent took place in 1958, and an interesting fact is that the entire mount has been climbed on skis.
Lyskamm
Lyskamm is located along the Italian border, and while it may not be the highest mountain in Switzerland, it's not far off, with an elevation of 4,527 meters. Lyskamm is also known as Silberbast, which translates to "silver bast", and consists of two peaks (Western Lyskamm and Eastern Lyskamm) and a 5-kilometer / 3.1-mile ridge.
The mountain is not to be underestimated and has earned the nickname Menschenfresser, meaning "people eater" due to its cornices leading to freak climbing accidents, and regular avalanches.
The peak takes 8-10 hours from the Mantova Hut or Gnifetti Hut which can both be reached via the cable car that stops at Punta Indren, which has an altitude of 3,270m.
If you're considering hiking Lyskamm, know that this route should be reserved for the most experienced mountain climbers.
Weisshorn
If the panoramic views are more important to you than the height of the summit, Weisshorn is likely the best mountain in the Swiss Alps.
It forms part of the Pennine Alps and overlooks both the Zermatt Valley and the Anniviers Valley.
It is known as the most beautiful mountain due to its pleasing symmetrical shape and powdery covering of snow. The peak is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Matterhorn — known for its appearance on the Toblerone chocolate logo, but there is much to be gained from climbing Weisshorn, with staggering views stretching over 30 kilometers / 18 miles to the town of Chur.
The east ridge is the most common route, as the southwest ridge can be tricky for hikers.
In order to start the ascent, board a train to Arosa, and from the railway station, you can take a cable car to the summit.
The ascent can take anywhere from 6-9 hours, and a further five for the descent. If you want to conquer Weisshorn within just a day, you'll need to start as soon as it gets light and keep a fast pace.
Are you an avid climber without a hiking buddy? Join our community now and connect with female travelers all around the world who are fellow mountain enthusiasts. You never know what peaks your friendship might reach.
Final Thoughts On The Highest Swiss Mountains
Switzerland has some of the most immense peaks of the Alps, and arguably the most picturesque. The scenery of Switzerland has long been admired, and there's no better way to do so than from a bird's eye view.