Rheinwaldhorn Mountain
Highest peak of the Adula Alps in Graubünden
Rheinwaldhorn (Adula) rises in the Lepontine Alps of Grisons with glaciated ridges and long alpine approaches. Experienced alpinists and high-route hikers tackle its glaciers and mixed rock-ice terrain.
Rheinwaldhorn at a Glance#
About Rheinwaldhorn#
Rheinwaldhorn (also known by its Italian name Piz Adula) is a 3,402-metre alpine peak in the Grisons region of southeastern Switzerland and the highest summit of the Adula Alps. It is a glaciated mountain that forms part of the watershed between valleys in the southern Swiss Alps.
The mountain attracts mountaineers and alpine hikers for its long ridge routes and glacier approaches; common climbs involve traversing glaciated terrain and exposed ridgelines. Typical ascents require full alpine equipment and route-finding across snow and ice for several kilometres of glacier travel.
The summit and surrounding relief were formed during the Alpine orogeny; the peak has been used historically as a high-mountain route and grazing area and has seen progressive mapping and alpine exploration since the 19th century. Glacial extent has varied with climatic fluctuations, reducing in recent decades like many Alpine glaciers.
Sits on the main Alpine ridge in southeastern Switzerland in the canton of Grisons, near the border with Ticino. The mountain rises above the valleys of the Rheinwald and lies within a remote high-alpine landscape of steep ridges and glaciated cols.
- Elevation: 3,402 meters; highest summit of the Adula (Rheinwald) Alps.
How to Get to Rheinwaldhorn#
Common approaches start from villages in the Rheinwald or Hinterrhein valleys. Nearest larger towns with rail connections include Thusis or Chur; from there local buses serve valley villages. Mountain-hut approaches require planning, often beginning from alpine huts reached on foot or with local transport.
Tips for Visiting Rheinwaldhorn#
- If attempting a summit, hire a local mountain guide-conditions are alpine and glaciers are present.
- Start very early: routes are long and require glacier travel and crevasse awareness.
- Check seasonal hut availability (Swiss Alpine Club network) and reserve well in advance.
Best Time to Visit Rheinwaldhorn#
Summer (June-September) is the standard mountaineering season; weather is more stable and alpine huts are open. Outside that window, only highly experienced alpinists should attempt the peak.
Weather & Climate near Rheinwaldhorn#
Rheinwaldhorn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 5°C. Abundant rainfall (1085 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -13° - -8° | -20° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 6.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -14° - -9° | -20° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 6.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -13° - -8° | -19° | 94 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 6.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -12° - -7° | -17° | 91 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | -7° - -3° | -11° | 77 mm | overcast | 82% | 5.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.8h |
| June | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 95 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Poor | -1° - 4° | -3° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Poor | 0° - 5° | -1° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| September | Poor | -2° - 2° | -5° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.8 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -5° - -1° | -9° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 5.5 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -10° - -5° | -15° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 6.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -7° | -18° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 6.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
