Herbriggen – Topalihütte

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The classic hike from Randa is very often closed. This hike starts at Herbriggen (accessible by train from Randa).
The route is much steeper than the one starting from Randa; furthermore, once you reach Tälli, the ‘normal’ route is also closed due to rockfalls, and a new route has been marked out joining the alpine path linking the Topali Hut (Topalihütte) to the Barrhorn, which adds 400 metres of elevation gain. The difficulty rating is ‘very difficult’, to reflect the total duration of the hike, which takes into account the significant elevation gain covered in two main sections, and the steep nature of the first ascent. There are no technical difficulties other than the elevation gain (2,000 m elevation gain over 9.5 km).

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Tour du Cervin

Details

n°103312244
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.85 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 7 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 6,791 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,152 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 9,780 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,108 ft
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Description of the walk

The route starts from Herbriggen station. Please note: this stop is usually an on-request stop, so don’t forget to press the stop request button!

(S) Head towards the stream.

(1) Once you have crossed the stream, take the path heading south

(2) You’ll soon come to a sign pointing westwards towards the Topali Hut (estimated time: 6 hours 45 minutes), straight up the slope. Take this path, which is narrow, well-marked and at times quite exposed (this side of the valley is steep, and the path makes use of a recess in the cliff to allow passage). It follows the stream closely.

(3) You’ll reach an alpine chalet equipped with a goods lift at 1,566 metres. Take a short breather until you cross the torrent.

(4) The path becomes steep again, though fortunately the undergrowth provides some relief from the heat. You finally emerge onto a second mountain pasture: Guggini (altitude 2,078 metres).

(5) The path then gradually joins the classic route from Randa to Guggiberg (altitude 2,232 metres).

(6) Follow the path opposite, heading north, to the sharp bend at an altitude of 2,264 metres.

(7) Then head left, westwards, towards the Tummigbach.

(8) Cross the stream. You will then pass below the Schwarzhorn before reaching the Tälli valley; cross the various branches of the Tummigbach again.

(9) Please note: there is a footbridge, but the torrent may change course and split into several streams; you must therefore cross as best you can depending on the condition of the torrent (it is possible to cross without getting your feet wet). You will reach a junction.

(10) Take a well-signposted detour to the left which climbs directly up the moraine towards the alpine path leading from the Topali Hut to the Barrhorn. Keep a close eye on the condition of the moraine to follow the markings.

(11) Once you reach the path (elevation 3019), turn right and you’ll soon see the hut below you. The path descends gently, allowing you to recover from your exertions. Continue straight on until you reach the “Topalihütte” refuge (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 4,298 ft - Gare de Herbriggen
  2. 1 : mi 0.05 - alt. 4,111 ft - Fork in the road after the river
  3. 2 : mi 0.13 - alt. 4,170 ft - Start of the ascent
  4. 3 : mi 0.73 - alt. 5,026 ft - Alpine chalet with goods lift
  5. 4 : mi 0.99 - alt. 5,804 ft - Crossing the Guggigrabe
  6. 5 : mi 1.76 - alt. 6,785 ft - Guggini
  7. 6 : mi 2.24 - alt. 7,349 ft - Guggiberg
  8. 7 : mi 2.72 - alt. 7,398 ft - Turn
  9. 8 : mi 2.92 - alt. 7,743 ft - Crossing the Tummigbach
  10. 9 : mi 3.85 - alt. 8,638 ft - Tälli and the new branches of the Tummigbach
  11. 10 : mi 4.06 - alt. 8,724 ft - Detour to the Barrhorn path
  12. 11 : mi 4.8 - alt. 9,780 ft - Junction: detour – Barrhorn path
  13. E : mi 5.85 - alt. 8,937 ft - Topalihütte

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