Grassenbiwak SAC – High-Alpine Bivouac & Grassen Summit Base

The Grassenbiwak SAC is a small and exposed high-alpine bivouac situated near the summit pyramid of the Grassen (2,946 m), above the Susten Pass on the border between the cantons of Uri and Bern. Designed for experienced alpinists, it serves as a minimal shelter and staging point for classic alpine routes and traverses in the Susten region. Comfort is deliberately limited; autonomy and solid alpine judgment are essential.

• Bivouac Overview

  • Location: Grassen / Susten Pass area, Uri–Bern border, Switzerland

  • Altitude: ~2,700 m

  • Type: High-alpine bivouac (unserviced)

  • Capacity: Approx. 6–8 sleeping places

  • Season: Typically July to September (conditions dependent)

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access to the Grassenbiwak is fully alpine and route-dependent.

  • Typical approaches:

    • From the Susten Pass area via alpine routes

    • As part of ridge traverses and summit ascents

  • Ascent time: Variable (often 4–6 hours from road access)

  • Terrain: Steep alpine paths, rock bands, snowfields, mixed terrain

  • Difficulty: T4–T5 / Alpine (PD, route-dependent)

  Route-finding skills and comfort with exposure are mandatory.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are extremely basic.

  • Simple sleeping platforms

  • No catering or food

  • No running water (snowmelt only)

  • No electricity or heating

  All users must carry food, stove, fuel, and full safety equipment.

• Atmosphere

  Sparse, quiet, and functional.

  • Rarely crowded

  • Used almost exclusively by alpinists

  • Nights are short, focused on early departures

  This bivouac is a means to an end, not a destination.

• Alpine Context & Routes

  The Grassenbiwak is relevant for:

  • Grassen (2,946 m) summit routes

  • Alpine traverses in the Susten region

  • Mixed rock-and-snow routes in early season

  • Emergency shelter during long ridge itineraries

  It is not connected to marked hiking trails.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to early September

  • Main risks: Storms, rockfall, exposure, difficult retreat

  Stable weather and conservative planning are critical.

• Who Is This Bivouac For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Teams on committing alpine routes

  • Not suitable for hikers, beginners, or casual overnights

Why This Bivouac Matters

At around 2,700 m, the Grassenbiwak SAC represents the most minimal level of alpine infrastructure in the Susten area. Its value lies in position and continuity, allowing elegant summit pushes and traverses where a full hut would be impractical. It is a shelter defined by necessity, not comfort.