On the second highest summit of Europe!
Schwarztor and Dufourspitze 4'634 m a.s.l.
The Durfourspitze is with its 4’634 m a.s.l. the hightest peak in Switzerland as well as in the whole German speaking area.
The second highest peak in the Alps was renamed in 1863 by the Federal council in honour of the Swiss general and cartographer Guillaume-Herni Dufour (1787-1875). Dufour published the first ever map in Switzerland, the Dufour map is named after him.
The first ascent took place on 1st August 1855 led by Charles Hudson, roped together with John Birbeck, Edward JW Stephenson and brothers Johannes and James G Smyth. The mountain guides Mattäus Zumtaugwald and Ulrich Lauener paved the way for the English men.
The long, demanding tour from the Monte Rosa hut is a great challenge for alpinists.