Spitzmeilen

Mountain Alpine peak offering panoramic Swiss ridge views

Spitzmeilen is a sharp summit in the Glarus Alps favoured by hikers for ridge walks, alpine pastures and views toward Walensee and surrounding valleys.

Main image

Spitzmeilen is a mountain in eastern Switzerland, located in the Glarus Alps on the border of the cantons of St. Gallen and Glarus. The summit reaches 2,501 meters above sea level, giving it a distinct, pointed profile.

Hikers and mountaineers visit for ridge walks and summit views; the peak offers panoramic outlooks across nearby valleys and lakes and is typically reached via alpine trails from surrounding passes. Routes involve exposed sections and alpine terrain rather than technical climbing for the normal approaches.

The mountain is a natural feature of the Glarus Alps and has no constructed origin or long human history beyond local pastoral and mountaineering use. It has been mapped and frequented by alpinists since the development of mountain guide culture in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Geographically it lies on the alpine massif between the Walensee region and interior valleys of eastern Switzerland, within the high mountain landscape of the Glarus Alps.

  • Elevation: Summit sits at 2,501 meters above sea level, making it a prominent peak in the Glarus Alps
  • Location note: Located on the cantonal border between St. Gallen and Glarus, it is a common objective for day hikes and alpine tours
Spitzmeilen
47.0240, 9.2364

How to Get to Spitzmeilen #

From Sargans or Mels, take the local bus toward Weisstannen (seasonal services) and begin the uphill path from the village. The approach from the north can be started near Murg; expect 3-5 hours to the ridge depending on route and pace.

Tips for Visiting Spitzmeilen #

  • Begin the classic ridge walk from the Weisstannen side early-alpine weather changes fast and the descent is long.
  • Carry an alpine map (1:25,000) and a headlamp; the trail crosses steep scree and some faint summer snowfields.
  • If staying overnight, check for bunks at the Murgseehütte or local private mountain huts in advance.

Best Time to Visit Spitzmeilen #

Best visited in summer for safe ridgeline walking; shoulder seasons reward with solitude but demand alpine experience.

Summer
June-September · 5-18°C
Trail clear of winter snow, long daylight for ridge traverses; busiest season for huts and day hikers.
Late spring / Early autumn
May-June, September-October · 0-12°C
Wildflower meadows and falling larch colour; expect patchy snow early and crisp mornings.

Weather & Climate near Spitzmeilen #

Climate

Spitzmeilen's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -10°C to 11°C. Heavy rainfall (2172 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-29°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

27 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -4°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

25 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -4°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -2°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

159 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -1°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

172 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.5h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
14.9h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (211 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

211 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.7h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (234 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

234 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.3h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (215 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

215 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
14.1h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (186 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

186 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

27 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° -1°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

179 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

27 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -2°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

179 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

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