Although we had only 18km (11 miles) to cover, Pete and I knew that, with over 2,000m (6,500ft) of ascent, our second day would be the toughest (at least in terms of effort*). Most people stop at Iffigenalp, but we chose to continue and do the Wildsrubelhutte variant. So an early start was called for.
After a morning of lush green meadows, we had a short climb up to the Tungelpass and into the Iffigtal, passing the impossibly turquoise blue Iffigsee (pic 17). We then stopped to catch our breath and a quick drink at Iffigenalp before setting off on the 1200m (almost 4,000 ft) climb to the hut. As you can see from the pictures below, the terrain changes quite dramatically once you get above 2,500m (8,200 ft). The only thing spoiling the views were the stanchions which supported two cable car lifts, which ran from Iffigenalp to the Wisshorelucke. From what I heard, these were not for skiing as you might expect, but for use by the Swiss military.
*Days 3 and 4 would have their own challenges, but I’ll get on to them tomorrow… 😊
Again, Pete’s pictures are suitably watermarked.
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
OH WOW!!!!!
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Yes indeed. It was a good climb, but well worth it. 😊
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…man… I won’t explain but seeing that mountain… I miss it. That’s home, one of the very few places anyway, on the other side (south)… thanks for feeling.
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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Holy cow, Mike, I got winded just looking at these photos! An impressively vigorous hike with all those elevation gains and tricky narrow trails, but what incredible views you (and we) are rewarded with. Thanks for this excellent visit to the Alps.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the walk with us, Jet. There’s more to come of course… 😊
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Does look a lot more difficult. Also less green, which I guess comes with the terrain. What are military doing up in the mountains? 🤔 looking forward to days 3 and 4!
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Re the Swiss military – I don’t know, but I did see what looked like a radar scanner turning around. So I guess it’s part of an early warning system or surveillance programme.
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That’s dramatic, almost like a moonscape up there. The bird (15) is a wheatear.
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Yes, it does get a bit barren up there – and even more so at 2,900m, where it appears to be just shale (with the odd tiny plant struggling through). I did wonder whether it was a wheatear, as they are quite common in the mountains I think. Thanks for identifying it. 🙂
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Awesome!!!
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Indeed. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. 🙂
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