Rautispitz Mountain
Alpine peak in Glarus, popular hiking destination
A summit in the Glarus Alps, Rautispitz draws hikers for steep trails, alpine meadows and views over Walensee; climbs are typically summer walks from marked paths and mountain huts.
Rautispitz at a Glance#
About Rautispitz#
Rautispitz is a mountain in the Glarus region of eastern Switzerland, part of the Glarus Alps. It is a local summit popular with hikers and scramblers because of its relatively direct day routes and panoramic summit views.
Routes to the summit pass alpine pastures and rocky ridges and are commonly used as day hikes from nearby valley trailheads. The summit affords wide views over the Klöntalersee and parts of the Linth valley and Walensee region.
The mountain is used primarily for hiking and mountaineering in summer and shoulder seasons; winter ascents require alpine equipment. The approaches and trails link the summit area with nearby alpine lakes and valleys in the Canton of Glarus.
Rautispitz stands above the Klöntal and the Linth valley within the Canton of Glarus in eastern Switzerland and is approached from valley trailheads in the surrounding alpine landscape.
- Access and season: Trailheads for common ascents start from the Klöntal and the Linth valley side; summer is the main hiking season and snow persists on higher slopes into late spring.
How to Get to Rautispitz#
Take the S-Bahn or regional train to Murg (SG) on the Walensee; trailheads and signposted paths to Rautispitz start near the lakeshore and village.
Tips for Visiting Rautispitz#
- Start the standard route from Murg (St. Gallen) for the cleanest ascent and alpine views.
- Expect steep, loose sections on the final slopes - good footwear and trekking poles are advised.
- Check weather reports: the summit can be wind-swept and visibility changes quickly.
Best Time to Visit Rautispitz#
Summer months are the most reliable for hiking Rautispitz, when trails are snow-free and alpine huts are accessible.
Weather & Climate near Rautispitz#
Rautispitz's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2083 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - -1° | -9° | 152 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -7° - -1° | -10° | 137 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -6° - 1° | -8° | 154 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 5.0 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 3° | -5° | 169 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 167 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Poor | 4° - 10° | 5° | 202 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 8° | 219 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 10° | 205 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 178 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 7° | 4° | 164 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 172 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 0° | -8° | 164 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
