Hike to the Mönchsjoch Hut: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

mönchsjoch hut

Are you looking for the most spectacular hike in Switzerland? If a once-in-a-lifetime experience is on your agenda, look no further than the hike to Mönchsjoch Hut, the highest-staffed hut in the country.

If you have a good fitness level, this hike is like traveling to a different world and is an adventure you will long remember. Use this article to help get started on your plans to hike to Switzerland’s highest hut.

Location

The Mönchsjoch Hut is located in the beautiful Bernese Alps in the canton of Valais. It’s situated right above the Obers Mönchsjoch, between Trugberg and Mönch, on the upper Aletsch Glacier. The Sphinx Observatory overlooks the region. The hut’s physical address is Obers Mönchsjoch, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland.

How to Reach Mönchsjochhütte

Jungfraujoch, Mönchsjoch Hut trail
Jungfraujoch, Mönchsjoch Hut trail – Image courtesy of Wikimedia

You’ll begin your hike to Mönchsjochhütte Hut at Jungfraujoch, a unique mountain attraction called the “Top of Europe” sitting at 3,454 meters above sea level. The new Eiger Express will whisk you there from the Grindelwald Terminal in just 45 minutes. The icy air and panoramic view will almost take your breath away. 

The trail starts at the Jungfraujoch railway station and leads through snowy terrain towards the Mönchsjochhütte. The hike starts relatively easy but becomes steeper and more challenging as you progress towards the hut. But the trail is well-marked so there are no worries about getting lost.

The views along the way are beyond spectacular and the Mönchsjochhütte Hut is a cozy respite. On one side you’ll have a stunning view of the Swiss Mittelland and on the other, you’ll see the Aletsch Glacier bordered by 4,000-meter peaks.

The hike is approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.17 miles) long and takes around an hour to complete.

Facilities Available at the Mönchsjoch Hut

Mönchsjoch Hut
Mönchsjoch Hut – Image courtesy of Wikimedia

Accommodations at the Mönchsjoch Hut are basic, warm, and functional. There are beds in a dorm-like setting for 125 people and a restaurant that seats 130. Once you enter the all-wooden hut, you will be asked to change into slippers, a common rule for Swiss huts. The warmth is inviting with chilly views of the outdoors.

The hut has a restaurant and bar that serves hearty delicious food including traditional Swiss cuisine like Älplermagronen and hot fondues. Enjoy a cheese platter with your drinks on a small terrace with amazing views.

There is no running water at the hut. The cooks use melt water for preparing meals and cleaning. There are bathroom facilities, and bottled water is sold at the hut for drinking and sanitary uses.

Activities in and Around the Mönchsjoch Hut

Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch

Visiting the Sphinx Observatory is highly recommended. It sits above the Jungfraujoch and is one of the world’s tallest observatories. It’s equipped with a telescope, a meteorological station, and two large laboratories.

It’s closed to the public, but you can take the 100-meter elevator from the Jungfraujoch station to the top of the Sphinx observatory. You’ll have a full view of the Aletsch Glacier and the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger peaks.

A visit to the Ice Palace is a must-do. Sculpted into the famous Aletsch Glacier, it’s the highest ice palace in the world. New ice sculptures are created and displayed each year by a talented ice artist.

Don’t miss the Alpine Sensation, a 250-meter-long display hall that runs between the Sphinx Hall and the Ice Palace. The moving walkways take you past exhibits that reveal the history and development of the Jungfraujoch and the railway that takes you there. A huge snow globe in the Edelweiss Cavern depicts life in the Jungfrau Region and Switzerland.

Marvel at the views from the Glacier Plateau viewing platform located 10 minutes from the Jungfraujoch railway station. You’ll see the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks on one side and the Black Forest and the Vosges on the other. Be sure to take souvenir photographs with the Swiss flag from the Top of Europe.

Visit the Snow Fun Park for a variety of winter sports activities including ziplining, skiing, and snowboarding. Enjoy food and drinks at the SnowBar with views of the snow-capped mountains.

Want To Save This For Later?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Bookings & Reservations

Bookings and reservations for the hut can be made quickly and easily online. You will receive confirmation immediately. If you need to cancel or postpone your reservation, contact the hut by telephone by 6 p.m. the day before. You will pay at the hut in cash (CHF/Euro) or by credit card. Postcard, Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, V PAY), and TWINT are accepted.

Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

  • This hike can be a challenge if you don’t have a lot of hiking experience. It starts at an altitude of more than 3,400 meters above sea level. Fatigue and shortness of breath can occur. Take a day or two before attempting the hike to become acclimated to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
  • Avoid getting lost by staying on the trail and following the trail markers.
  • For safety reasons, hike with a group or at least one other person. Someone should be with you in case of an emergency.
  • Listen to your body and take breaks as needed. Rest and enjoy the scenery along the way.
  • Before setting out, check the weather conditions. Don’t hike if storms or high winds are in the forecast.

What to Bring to the Mönchsjoch Hut

waterproof jacket

Dress in layers since the weather at altitudes this high can change quickly. You should bring a waterproof jacket, a hat, warm gloves, sunglasses, and 50-factor sunscreen.

Bring enough snacks and water for the hike. There are no water or food sources until you get to the hut. A hut sleeping bag is adequate for staying at the hut. You may want to bring your own pillowcase for hygiene. Bring along any medication you take regularly and analgesics for aches and pains.

Best Time to Go to the Mönchsjochhütte Hike

From July to September, it’s summer in the region. The weather is warmer and more stable during this time. The trails are cleared of snow and it’s safer and easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a certain level of fitness necessary for accommodation at the Mönchsjoch Hut?

You should have a fitness level of average or above and good hiking shoes to make it to the Mönchsjoch Hut.

Does the Mönchsjoch Hut have internet access or mobile phone reception?

The Mönchsjoch Hut has 4G reception with Swisscom. There is no reception in the Finteraarhornhütte. Phones can be charged in the evenings.

Courtesy of Wikimedia for the image header.

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *