Key Facts:
→ First ascent: 26 August 1856 by Edward Levi Ames with three other Englishmen and the mountain guides Franz-Josef Andenmatten, Johann Josef Imseng and three other mountain guides from Saas.
→ Altitude: 4,010 m asl
→ Routes:
From the Wiessmieshütte SAC or Hohsaas - west-southwest ridge (normal route) Difficulty: WS
Crossing Fletschhorn - Lagginhorn Difficulty: WS+
S-N- traverse from Lagginjoch Difficulty: ZS
Special features & origin of name
The Lagginhorn is a two kilometre long, gently curving rocky ridge between the Lagginjoch and the Fletschjoch. The main summit, at 4,010m, lies to the north of the ridge. It is unclear whether the name of the Lagginhorn, also called Laquinhorn, is related to the small mountain lakes in the rear part of the Laggin valley and thus derives from lacus (Latin). Some theories go back to the Saracens. In Arabic, allâqîn = (over)hanging. Just as the Saracens had their own names for many mountains, so the Lagginhorn has its own name, "ts Lagg'ii".
Mountain and SAC huts nearby
The Weissmieshütte of the SAC (2,726 m asl) on the west side of the Lagginhorn - with an incomparable view of the 18 four-thousand-metre peaks in the Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region - is a popular starting point for a variety of tours on rock and ice. The successful interior design creates a cosy atmosphere, and groups or clubs will find a homely hall. Comfortable mattress dormitories ensure a good night's sleep, while the smaller dormitories are ideal for families.
The hut is the starting point for the Weissmies and Lagginhorn, the Fletschhorn, which is almost 4000m high, the climbing routes in the Jegihorn south face, the highest via ferrata in the Alps, the Gsponer Höhenweg and numerous ski and snowboard tours.