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 at a Glance#

About Spitzmeilen#

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

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.

Air Quality: AQI 33 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-29°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -10° - -4° -13° 165 mm overcast 89% 5.4 m/s 0.1 low 8.8h
February Poor -10° - -4° -14° 145 mm overcast 90% 5.3 m/s 0.3 low 10.1h
March Poor -9° - -2° -12° 159 mm partly cloudy 87% 5.1 m/s 0.5 moderate 11.8h
April Poor -6° - -1° -9° 172 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 13.5h
May Poor -2° - 4° -3° 165 mm overcast 79% 4.2 m/s 1.3 high 14.9h
June Poor 1° - 8° 1° 211 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.0 m/s 1.6 very high 15.7h
July Acceptable 4° - 11° 4° 234 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.0 m/s 1.6 very high 15.3h
August Poor 4° - 11° 5° 215 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.7 m/s 1.3 high 14.1h
September Poor 2° - 8° 2° 186 mm partly cloudy 83% 4.3 m/s 0.9 moderate 12.4h
October Poor -1° - 5° -3° 162 mm overcast 84% 4.8 m/s 0.4 low 10.7h
November Poor -6° - -1° -9° 179 mm overcast 87% 5.2 m/s 0.2 low 9.2h
December Poor -8° - -2° -12° 179 mm overcast 88% 5.6 m/s 0.1 low 8.3h

Nearby Attractions to Spitzmeilen#