I'll take you to the Rothorn hut. Located near Zermatt, the building was completely rebuilt in 2024. Today, the Rothornhütte is reborn and welcomes mountaineers eager to conquer the most beautiful summits in the Swiss Alps. Find out how it was rebuilt, how to get there and what the main ascents are.
Rothorn hut: treasure of Zermatt
At the foot of the Zinalrothorn and its glittering glacier, the Rothorn hut rises to an altitude of 3198 metres. Surrounded by the giants of Zermatt, the hut lives to the rhythm of the stories of the fiercest mountaineers. The Rothornhütte is an essential starting point for a number of climbs, and welcomes adventurers thirsting for excursions every year.
Access to the Rothorn hut is already a challenge. From Zermattthe path to the hut includes a number of technical passages. From the very first steps, the thrill of the high mountains envelops your senses. As you traverse this steep route, you pass through a verdant Eden that soon gives way to a realm of rock and ice. Six hours' walking and 1,700 metres of ascent for a hike between heaven and earth. When the call of adventure and the scent of freedom run through your veins, the Rothorn hut sounds like a promise of unforgettable discoveries.
From the Rothorn hut, you can admire the Zinalrothorn and the flowing glaciers. You can also contemplate the summit Matterhorn, the emblematic pyramid of Zermatt and the Swiss Alps. Then there's a fragment of the Mont-Rose massif, brighter than the dawn. In the midst of these colossuses, the refuge welcomes you before you, in turn, experience memorable moments.
Rothornhütte: from genesis to reconstruction
In 1948, the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) Upper Aargau section decided to build its first hut. A living jewel among the highest peaks, the shelter is illuminated by the glow of summits. At an altitude of 3198 meters, the experience transcends the ordinary, and visitors look forward to a mythical high-mountain adventure. Year after year, the hut attracts ever-larger crowds, and its glory is spreading by leaps and bounds. How can you not be overwhelmed by the beauty of this place? But then, the first flaws in the construction quickly appeared. The ground is poor and unstable, and the cabin gradually sinks. The builders, alarmed by this realization, had to find a solution quickly. Renovation seemed inevitable. In 1965, a steel tie belt was installed to ensure the building's stability. Despite all our efforts, the hut was on the verge of collapse due to the complexity of the terrain. The options multiplied: should we persevere in renovating the hut? In 2016, the decision is made: a new hut will emerge.
The CAS Oberaargau section is enthusiastic about the project. From 2023 onwards, work will get underway. The vision is clear: a robust hut with a modern design that meets the most stringent ecological requirements. After two seasons of hard work, the inauguration looms. On August 17, 2024, cheers rang out: victory! Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the hut was a runaway success from the moment it opened. Visitors flocked in, eager to enter the lair of this exceptional haven.
Today, the Rothornhütte stands out for its modern architecture and interior. Meeting all environmental standards, it now offers 54 sleeping places, each with a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn. The wood-panelled dining room is warm and inviting. I was also pleased to contribute to this building by donating three of my mountain works. They now adorn the walls of the dining room. As a humble servant of the kingdom above, I pay homage to the cabin and the landscape that surrounds it, to its grandeur and majesty. I marvel at the rebirth of this state-of-the-art Alpine jewel.
Access path to the Rothorn hut from Zermatt
The hiking trail will already put you to the test. Before embarking on this adventure, it's vital to find out about current access conditions. The classic route may have to be modified due to the rockslides in September 2024. Bring a good pair of walking shoes for this hike. From the train station at Zermatt, follow the signs to Rothornhütte. The trail takes you via Schweifinen and then Trift. Allow 6 hours' walking to cover the 1700 m ascent and 10 km.
The access path itself is a treasure trove of natural discoveries. Observe the flora and fauna. Vibrant colors line the path before giving way to the gray and white hues of rock and ice. Keep your eyes open. The terrain you're following is a favorite with chamois. Watch the sky. You'll probably spot eagles, majestic lords of the blue.
Main mountaineering routes from Rothornhütte
How can we talk about Rothornhütte without mentioning the Zinalrothorn andObergabelhorn climbs? Discover these two iconic Alpine mountaineering routes, accessible from this hut.
Ascent of the Zinalrothorn from Rothornhütte
The Zinalrothorn, a jewel in the Valais Alps, captivates with its fleeting, bewitching beauty. Sometimes referred to as the Zinal Rothorn, it is one of the summits peaks forming the Imperial Crown belt. Culminating at an altitude of 4221 metres, summit stands tall, offering a challenge to those who aspire to conquer it. Three main routes are accessible from the Rothorn hut: the normal route, the southwest ridge and the north ridge. Each is a journey filled with splendor and unexpected adventure. The normal route, the most accessible, takes in the southeast ridge, then the southwest via the Gabel. Its remarkable aesthetics invite you to explore the most surprising Alpine landscapes.
I have exceptional memories of this mountaineering race. Feeling the firm, compact rock of the Zinalrothorn beneath my feet. The gneiss that gives the mountain its age-old strength. What incredible happiness! At its summit, you'll discover its cross, and the incredible view of the other summits of the Imperial Crown!
Ascent of the Obergalbelhorn from Rothornhütte
In terms of variety and challenge, Obergabelhorn is second only to the Zinalrothorn. Often considered one of the most beautiful summits in the Alps, its pyramidal shape is particularly impressive. I particularly enjoy photographing its north face, which, after a storm, is adorned with snow, giving it the appearance of a diamond sparkling in the mountain immensity. Culminating at 4063 meters, the route begins at the Trift glacier, passes through the Wellenkuppe at 3909 meters, the Gendarme, and finally reaches summit. The route was first opened in 1890. At summit, the Imperial Crown unfolds: the Matterhorn, the Dent d'Hérens, the Zinalrothorn and the Weisshorn raise their peaks to the sky. If you'd like to explore a variant, I recommend crossing fromArbengrat via the Arben bivouac. This equally enchanting itinerary will take you on a journey through Alpine wonders.
This is the Rothorn hut. Born on unstable ground, this hut has been rebuilt and now sports a new look. The work involved in erecting this structure has been relentless. And the result is incredible. I invite you to discover the Rothornhütte and escape to the surrounding mountains.
