Piz Badus Mountain
Alpine peak in Canton Uri offering mountain trails.
A mountain in Canton Uri, Piz Badus offers alpine hiking routes and summer trails; walkers come for high-mountain scenery and ridge walks in Switzerland's alpine terrain.
Piz Badus at a Glance#
About Piz Badus#
Piz Badus, also called Tomül in Romansh, is a mountain in the Glarus Alps of central Switzerland with an elevation of approximately 2,928 metres. It sits on high ground that separates alpine valleys and is a known objective for hikers and mountaineers.
Routes to the summit traverse alpine pastures and rocky paths; the mountain provides panoramic views across nearby ranges and into adjoining cantons. The area around the summit includes high-mountain lakes and typical alpine terrain.
The mountain is a natural landmark rather than a constructed site; it and its slopes have long been used for alpine grazing and seasonal travel before becoming popular for recreational hiking in the modern period.
Piz Badus lies in central Switzerland on the watershed between cantons, with slopes that adjoin Uri and Graubünden; a notable nearby feature is Lai da Tuma (Lake Toma) on the mountain’s slopes, traditionally cited as a Rhine source.
- Hiking: The summit is often reached by marked mountain trails and is a common objective for multi-hour alpine hikes.
- Names and range: Also known by its Romansh name Tomül, the peak is part of the Glarus Alps and offers views over surrounding valleys and high-alpine terrain.
What to See#
- Lake Toma (Tomasee): Lai da Tuma (Lake Toma) sits on the mountain’s northern slopes and is widely recognized as a source lake for the Rhine river system.
How to Get to Piz Badus#
Piz Badus is in the Canton of Uri region. Access is typically from local trailheads reached by road from nearby towns in Uri. Trains and buses serve the larger valley towns; final access to the mountain requires a mountain trail and can involve a full day’s hike. Check local Swiss alpine club (SAC) resources for route details.
Tips for Visiting Piz Badus#
- Start early in summer - the alpine pastures are cooler and the trailhead can fill with day-hikers later in the day.
- Check mountain weather and bring appropriate alpine equipment; conditions change quickly above 2,000 m.
- If attempting from the north, note that routes cross alpine terrain and may require map and compass or a GPS track.
Best Time to Visit Piz Badus#
Summer is best for hiking; winter for experienced mountaineers with avalanche knowledge.
Weather & Climate near Piz Badus#
Piz Badus's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -12°C to 9°C. Abundant rainfall (1290 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -6° | -16° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 6.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -12° - -6° | -17° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 5.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -11° - -5° | -15° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 5.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -9° - -4° | -13° | 111 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 101 mm | overcast | 82% | 5.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.8h |
| June | Poor | -1° - 5° | -3° | 114 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 122 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| September | Poor | 0° - 6° | -1° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.0 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -3° - 2° | -6° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 5.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -8° - -3° | -12° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 6.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -10° - -4° | -15° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 6.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
