Sparrhorn Hike (Valais): Easy 3000 m Alpine Hike with Glacier Views: Top Highlights and 6 Tips
DETAILS*
Duration: 6h 24min including all breaks (and long chilling at the top)
Difficulty: 
Hike up: T3
Distance: 10 km point-to-point
Incline: 943 m
Decline: 939 m
The highest point: 3027 m above sea level
OUR EXPERIENCE:
Starting and End point:
We took a bus 624 from Brig, Bahnhof station to Blatten b. Naters, Luftseilbahn (22 min, it goes twice per hour on Saturdays). Next, we took a gondola PB 2325 up to Belalp (8 min drive).
Itinerary:
We hiked up to Sparrhoru, also labelled on different maps as Sparrhorn (3020 m above sea level), directly from Belalp station. As you can see on the map, there is only one hiking path, with a small detour around the lake that we did both on the way up and down, to vary the route.
From the very beginning, the trail is a continuous incline, starting gently in Belalp.
TIP #1: I love the Aletsch area. If you have good weather conditions, always remember to turn back/look back, you can enjoy an amazing alpine panorama with a Matterhorn view.
Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with this hike, especially in the second part, where you are out of Belalp village and hike up along the cable car line.
TIP #2: The cable car is only operational in winter. Do not expect or plan to go up or down with it during the hiking season.
The trail is rather wide (prepared for 4x4 vehicles used to maintain the cable car or work on the lake). However, after reaching the lake level, the trail starts to become more interesting – with rocky terrain, amazing views, and beautiful panorama views with the lake.
The path up to Sparrhorn becomes more alpine and engaging, sometimes steeper and more demanding. I was actually regretting that the hike is not like this from the beginning. On the way up, you have a great view of the Aletsch Glacier and Eggishorn.
TIP #3: If you want to experience an alpine hike that is not technically difficult, but offers glacier views, alpine panoramas, reaches 3000 m above sea level, and becomes slightly more demanding in the final part (similar to typical white-red Swiss hiking paths), this is a perfect hike to do with yours visitors.
Until you reach the summit, you can barely see the Oberaletsch Glacier because it lies deeper in the valley. But from the top, you can fully enjoy the view. The summit itself is very rocky, which adds a strong sense of satisfaction once you reach it.
TIP #4: There is a small summit booklet at the top to track hikers reaching the summit. Have a look, you might find Basler Drip Coffee there with greetings to the next hikers!
After a long break, enjoying glacier views, and also the Matterhorn on the other side, we hiked down the same way (only taking the path along the small artificial lake).
Our drinks:
There is no place on this hike to refill your water bottle, please account for that while planning your supplies.
TIP #5: There are no refill stations on the way. Always bring enough water with you.
We carried a total of 1.6 L per person (2 × 0.8 L bottles).
What we packed:
This hike is fully exposed, do not expect any shade on the way. Please bring sunscreen with you. At the same time, above 2500 m above sea level, the trail becomes more exposed and can get windy, be prepared for that.
TIP #6: Please bring sunscreen with you, there is no shade on the way at all.
After checking the weather conditions, we only took the necessary clothing: a long sleeve and a fleece. We hiked in shorts and t-shirts.
Highlights:
Hiking to 3000 m above sea level itself is a highlight.
Matterhorn view on the way up (remember to turn back) and while hiking down.
Views of two glaciers: Aletsch Glacier and Oberaletsch Glacier.
Rocky final section, a perfect way to reach the summit and feel the satisfaction.
Let's sum up our TIPs:
TIP #1: I love the Aletsch area. If you have good weather conditions, always remember to turn back/look back – you can enjoy an amazing alpine panorama with a Matterhorn view.
TIP #2: The cable car is only operational in winter. Do not expect or plan to go up or down with it during the hiking season.
TIP #3: If you want to experience an alpine hike that is not technically difficult, but offers glacier views, alpine panoramas, reaches 3000 m above sea level, and becomes slightly more demanding in the final part (similar to typical white-red Swiss hiking paths), this is a perfect hike to do with yours visitors.
TIP #4: There is a small summit booklet at the top to track hikers reaching the summit. Have a look, you might find Basler Drip Coffee there with greetings to the next hikers!
TIP #5: There are no refill stations on the way. Always bring enough water with you.
TIP #6: Please bring sunscreen with you, there is no shade on the way at all.
Continue hiking with us:
Säntis Hike via T4 white-blue path
*supported by Garmin and SchweizMobil