The Glarus Alps (German: Glarner Alpen) are a mountain range in central Switzerland, forming part of the Western Alps. The highest peak is the Tödi, which rises to 3,614 meters (11,857 feet) above sea level.
Geography
The Glarus Alps extend across multiple Swiss cantons, including Glarus, Uri, Graubünden, and St. Gallen. They are bordered by the Uri Alps and Schwyz Alps to the west, the Lepontine Alps to the south, and the Appenzell Alps to the northeast. The range is bounded to the north by the Walensee (lake) and the Klausen Pass, and to the east by the Rhine River.
The main chain of the Glarus Alps is divided into six minor groups separated by passes. These include the Crispalt, the Oberalpstock massif, the Tödi massif, the Hausstock, the Vorab, and the Piz Sardona massif.
Geology
The eastern part of the Glarus Alps contains a major thrust fault known as the Glarus thrust, where older rock layers have been pushed over younger ones. This geological feature was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 under the name Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona.
Principal Summits
Notable peaks include:
| Peak | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Tödi (Piz Russein) | 3,613 m (11,854 ft) |
| Bifertenstock | 3,419 m (11,217 ft) |
| Piz Urlaun | 3,358 m (11,017 ft) |
| Oberalpstock | 3,328 m (10,919 ft) |
| Gross Schärhorn | 3,297 m (10,817 ft) |
| Clariden | 3,267 m (10,719 ft) |
| Gross Düssi | 3,256 m (10,682 ft) |
| Ringelspitz | 3,247 m (10,653 ft) |
| Hausstock | 3,152 m (10,341 ft) |
| Piz Segnas | 3,102 m (10,177 ft) |
Glaciers and Passes
The range contains numerous glaciers, including the Biferten Glacier and the Sand Glacier. Major mountain passes traversing the range include the Oberalp Pass (2,044 m), the Klausen Pass (1,948 m), the Panixer Pass (2,407 m), and the Segnas Pass (2,625 m).
Recreation
The Glarus Alps are a popular destination for hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and climbing. Notable hiking routes include the Panorama Trail from Braunwald to Oberblegisee. The region is known for its alpine scenery, glaciers, mountain lakes, and wildlife such as ibex and chamois.
