Last week, a woman set off on a hike from the summit of Brienzer Rothorn and began what should have been a scenic descent toward Brienz. Unfrotunately, she was never seen again!
According to a press release by the Bern cantonal police, she was reported missing at approximately 07:30 a.m. on Tuesday. A search operation involving the Swiss Air-Rescue (Rega) helicopter located her in the Gwandwald area around midday, but tragically she had already sustained fatal injuries.
Authorities believe she fell during the descent. The regional public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to determine exactly how the accident occurred.
This incident is a harsh reminder that even well-trodden hiking trails in the Alps demand full respect.
I am out hiking almost every weekend, and I often see people completely unprepared, under-equipeed or just plain doing something they are not ready for.
The landscape is undeniably spectacular, yet beauty in the mountains comes with steep drops, fast changes in weather, and terrain that can turn unexpectedly dangerous.
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For anyone who hikes regularly or is planning to go out for a hike in the Swiss Alps this event should remind you to think before you go:
- Start early and plan to be off exposed ridge or areas well before sunsetCarry everything you might need: map, compass/GPS, headlamp, extra food and water (What to wear hiking)
- Check weather and conditions before you go (Swiss Meteo and other apps are helpful)
- Know your route and alternatives — and don’t push on if the conditions or your energy don’t match the challenge.
Useful Hiking Times for Switzerland
Here are some general guideline times to help you plan mountain hikes in Switzerland (especially when heading into higher terrain or exposed ridges):
- Typical half-day hike: 3 to 5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
- Typical full-day hike (medium difficulty): 6 to 8 hours of walking; if terrain is steep or exposed, allocate 8–10 hours and start early (by 07:00) to ensure safe descent.
- High ridges or exposed routes: These often require an early start (06:00–07:00) so you’re off risky sections and safely descending while you still have good light and stable conditions.
- Last light for returning: Always aim to finish or be safely off difficult terrain at least an hour before sunset (you can ask Google for the current sunset time in your location)
- Be prepared: if you are heading on a long hike, imagine you don’t make it down? Are you ready for a night in the cold, without food or water? Make sure you have things with you to stay alive (it’s not Disneyland)
Final Thoughts
While the Swiss mountains give us some of the most breathtaking places on earth, they are also fast to remind us of their danger!
The recent tragedy on the Brienzer Rothorn ridge is heartbreaking and it should remind every hiker: nature isn’t just beautiful, it can be unforgiving.
