Ruchen (Glärnisch), 2901 m

High altitude tour on the edge of the Alps

With abrupt walls and firn-trimmed ridges, the Glärnisch rises from the surrounding valleys, sovereignly dominating all the neighbouring peaks. Its steep drop to Lake Klöntal seems unapproachable. Nevertheless, there is a relatively easy ascent from the west, where the gentle Glärnischfirn lies trough-like between the three main peaks Bächistock (2914 m), Vrenelisgärtli (2904 m) and Ruchen (2901 m). The charm of a high-altitude tour close to the edge of the Alps, directly above the inhabited valley floor, makes the Glärnisch one of the most sought-after summit destinations in the Glarus region. As part of a mountain hike, only the Ruchen is accessible. It was also the first to be defeated, by Oswald Heer in August 1833. What was still a strain back then can now be easily spread over two days thanks to the Glärnischhütte.

The Hüttenweg begins at the Vorauen post bus stop or at the Plätz car park at the western tip of Lake Klöntal. It runs through the narrow Rossmatt valley on the road to Chäserenalp (1272 m), then turns into the green basin of the Wärben Alp, enclosed by high walls. He describes numerous serpentines on the steep slope, conquers a rock bar with the help of a wire rope and finally ends after another dozen hairpin bends in front of the SAC hut (1990 m). Despite its 120 seats, it is often overcrowded on beautiful summer weekends. The next day we head eastwards on a good path into the Steintälli, around a rock barrier and on over scree to the edge of the Glärnischfirn. There you follow the flat, crevasse-free glacier on its northern edge to about 2700 m. Here the route turns left towards the Ruchen southwest flank, whose partly scree-covered rock ledges lead like a huge staircase to the summit, 2901 m. Lake Klöntal shimmers 2000 m below, while on the other side the magnificent view extends to the Bernese and Valais Alps. The way back is on the same route. From Chäserenalp you may be able to use the Alp-Taxi to Plätz or Vorauen.