From the Grimsel to the Löffelhorn
Liquid scramble
In the morning on the Grimsel on the 9th: we can’t see a thing! Pure fog awaits us, but there are still no doubts about our plans. We cheerfully make our way to the pub and soon afterwards the fog lifts. The wind, however, has come to stay. Head covered, we set off. Nevertheless, it’s always amazing how quickly your hands cool down in the wind while you don’t feel much cold on your legs despite wearing shorts. The insane heat of the last few days – forgotten. Sweat-free, we complete the brisk 9-lake hike: Totesee, Jostsee, Lengsee, Rundsee, Üelisee, Obersts Seewji, Namenloses Seewji, Mittelsee, up to Trützisee.
The bivouac site at Trützisee is also sweat-free. In addition to the persistent wind, we also feel a few drops of rain from time to time. The first doubts arise as to whether the bivouac will be the ultimate fun with the surprisingly low temperature, constant wind and possible rain. Dominic says “no problem” and converts his bivouac sack into a wingsuit. If it works, he would be in Geschinen in no time at all, while we would have to march for 2.5 hours in the rain and wind. Hmm, we trust our tour leader and the sun does shine for short periods of time.
Yes, the sun disappears at Trützsee before 20:00 o’clock and we want to find our sleeping bags quickly before the cold gets even colder. After a delicious team-prepared meal, everyone looks for their “ideal” bivouac spot and we scatter to keep an eye on things. Nobody is afraid of the wolf, as there are friendly sheep nearby. Good night everyone!
It clears up during the night and the wind dies down. Now the weather forecast comes true after all, albeit a little late.
After 10 hours in our sleeping bags and the first rays of sunshine, we get down to business and follow Dominic – who unerringly finds the ideal route – to the summit of the Löffelhorn. An extremely good feeling. The terrain on the ridge is rough and bouldery and generally quite stable. This means that even the steeper sections are a complete pleasure. For once, no sandy, pebbly slippery terrain. Great, highly recommended summit ascent, which can be done quite well without a rope. There are only short, exposed sections on the summit traverse, but these offer stable holding options. And so we soon reach the summit satisfied.
On the descent, we linger for a moment above the panoramic Trützisee and briefly feel “the magical lightness of being”.
Back in reality and at Lake Trützi, we weigh ourselves down with our bivouac gear, empty the bag of Basel treats and set off on our descent into the merciless heat in the valley. Warmth and cold are very close to each other.
