Oberaarjoch Hut

The Oberaarjochhütte is a mountain hut of the Swiss Alpine Club (Schweizer Alpen-Club, SAC) located at 3,256 metres on the steep south-western flank of the Oberaarjoch in the Bernese Alps, on the border between the cantons of Bern and Valais. It sits between the Galmigletscher and the Oberaargletscher and is operated by the SAC's Section Biel. The hut is one of the more remote shelters in the Swiss Alps and can only be reached by glacier routes, making appropriate experience, equipment, or a mountain guide essential. The shortest approach is from Berghaus Oberaar in about five hours, or from the Grimsel Pass in about six and a half hours. The hut is guarded (bewartet) from March to September with short interruptions, offering 30 sleeping places when staffed and 10 places in the emergency shelter (Schutzraum) as of 2026. The current building dates from 1904, when it stood at the level of the glacier; after the glacier retreated, a rock and snow plateau remained about 50 metres lower. The hut is a classic staging point for routes toward the Finsteraarhorn and the Aletsch Glacier, and its central position in the eastern Bernese Alps gives access to peaks such as the Oberaarhorn (considered the house mountain), Studerhorn, Wasenhorn, and Finsteraarhorn. The hut's traditional charm and spectacular views over the Valais and its four-thousand-metre peaks are part of its appeal. As of the 2026 summer season, access to the Oberaar area is affected by construction: the Oberaar panoramic road is closed for the whole season and the Berghaus Oberaar is closed for renovation, while the Oberaarbahn cable car runs from 26 June to 4 October 2026. The hut itself is closed for the season according to the official website, with the emergency shelter (Biwakraum) open but without cooking facilities or water. Payment is by cash only in CHF or EUR; card payment is not possible.

The Oberaarjochhütte is a shelter of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) in the Bernese Alps. A previous hut of unknown construction year, with about 12 sleeping places, existed before the current building. In 1904 the present hut was built; it originally stood at the level of the glacier. After the glacier retreated, a rock and snow plateau remained about 50 metres lower, where the hut now effectively sits. In 1905, after the new Oberaarjochhütte was built, the older hut was transported to the foot of the Finsteraarhorn and erected there as the first Finsteraarhornhütte on its current site. Since 1933, that old hut has served as the winter room of the Finsteraarhornhütte. The Oberaarjochhütte is operated by the Section Biel of the Swiss Alpine Club and has been guarded, with short interruptions, from March to September. As of 2026, the current building offers 30 sleeping places when staffed and 10 places in the emergency shelter (Schutzraum). The hut remains a remote, traditional high-alpine base, accessible only via glacier routes, and continues to serve mountaineers crossing between the Grimsel area, the Finsteraarhorn, and the Aletsch Glacier.

• 2026

  Hut offers 30 sleeping places when staffed and 10 emergency shelter places; access affected by road and Berghaus closures.

• 1933

  Old hut begins service as the winter room of the Finsteraarhornhütte.

• 1905

  Previous hut transported to the foot of the Finsteraarhorn and erected as the first Finsteraarhornhütte.

• 1904

  Current Oberaarjochhütte built, originally at glacier level.

Remote, traditional high-alpine hut for experienced mountaineers, known for spectacular views and glacier access.

• Half-board for SAC members

• Half-board for SAC member youth

• Half-board for non-members

• Half-board for non-member youth

• Half-board for mountain guides

• Facility use fee without half-board

1. 1Oberaarjochhütte official websiteoberaarjochhuette.ch
2. 2Oberaarjochhütte – Wikipedia (German)de.wikipedia.org
3. 3Oberaarjochhütte – Wikidatawikidata.org