Dürrenhorn, Mountain summit in Valais, Switzerland.
Dürrenhorn is a mountain peak in the Valais Alps standing at 4,035 meters as part of the Nadelgrat ridge. It marks the eastern end of this continuous chain of summits that connects several neighboring peaks.
The first ascent took place on September 7, 1879, when climbers Mummery, Penhall, Burgener, and Imseng reached the top. This achievement was part of the broader exploration of the Nadelgrat ridge during the mountaineering era of the 1800s.
The name comes from the local Valais dialect word 'dirr', meaning dry, which describes the natural conditions of the surrounding meadows. Local mountaineers and herders have long used this name to identify the peak by its landscape features.
Climbing this peak requires rock climbing skills and proper mountaineering gear including ropes, crampons, and a helmet. The best climbing window runs from June through September when snow cover is lighter and weather conditions are more stable.
The summit connects directly to Lenzspitze, Nadelhorn, Stecknadelhorn, and Hobärghorn as a single continuous ridge traverse. Experienced climbers often combine all five peaks into one long day, making this route popular for mountaineers seeking a full ridge challenge.
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