Ofenhorn

Ofenhorn is a mountain summit in the Lepontine Alps situated between the Binn valley in Switzerland and the Formazza valley in Italy. Rising to 3235 meters, it stands at the border between the two countries and presents a challenging climbing objective for experienced mountaineers.

The first documented ascent took place in 1864 during the early period of Alpine exploration in the region. Since then, it has remained a notable climbing destination along the Switzerland-Italy border.

Local populations in both Swiss and Italian territories maintain traditional Alpine customs, including seasonal mountain festivals and regional cheese production.

The best climbing season runs from late spring to early autumn when snow and ice are at their minimum. Several mountain huts near the summit provide shelter and overnight options for climbers planning multi-day expeditions.

The mountain is home to an impressive collection of mineral specimens including albite, anatase, aragonite, brookite, calcite, chalcopyrite, dolomite, and enargite among many others. This mineralogical richness makes it of interest to collectors and geologists who study Alpine geology.