Samnaun Alps

The Samnaun Alps are a compact mountain subrange of the Central Eastern Alps located on the Austria-Switzerland border, primarily in Tyrol. The range contains several peaks over 2,500 metres and alpine ridges that are notable locally for mountaineering.

Peak highlights include several summits above 3,000 metres, most prominently Muttler at 3,294 metres. Terrain in the Samnaun Alps includes steep rocky ridges, glaciated or permanently snow-covered sections at higher elevations, and high alpine pastures lower down.

The mountains formed as part of the Alpine orogeny; they have long been used for summer grazing and, since the 19th century, for alpinism and mountain tourism. Skiing and mountain tourism intensified in the 20th century with development of nearby resorts on the valley floors.

Geographically the Samnaun Alps sit on the main chain of the Alps along the Austria-Switzerland frontier, north of the Engadine and east of the Inn valley. The range is accessed from valleys in Tyrol and the canton of Graubünden.

• Location and scale: Straddles the Austria-Switzerland border and forms part of the Central Eastern Alps; the range is compact with numerous peaks above 2,500 metres.
• Activities: Alpine terrain offers hiking and climbing in summer and ski touring in winter; routes vary from long ridge walks to technical ascents on steep faces.

What to See #

• Muttler: A high alpine summit at 3,294 metres that is the highest point of the Samnaun Alps and a common objective for experienced mountaineers in the range.