Gross Ruchen

Gross Ruchen is a 3,138 m summit in the Swiss canton of Uri, near Silenen. It belongs to the Glarus Alps and rises above the Brunnital valley, south of the village of Unterschächen. It stands between the taller Gross Windgällen massif to the west and Chli Ruchen to the east. This is a high-alpine objective, not a casual hike.

Where is Gross Ruchen?

The peak sits in central Switzerland, where the Maderanertal and Brunnital valleys meet. Its coordinates are roughly 46.81° N, 8.77° E. Do not confuse it with Chli Ruchen, the lower neighbouring top on its eastern side, or with similarly named peaks in the canton of Glarus.

How do you get up Gross Ruchen?

The usual summer approach starts in Brunnital. Take the yellow postbus to Unterschächen, then continue up the valley to a car park at about 1,086 m. From there the route climbs through the hamlet of Brunni (1,395 m), up the Ruch Chälen gully, across the Ruchenfirn glacier and then along the east flank and ridge to the top. It is graded WS (fairly difficult) on the alpine scale, so glacier experience is needed.

You can shorten the day by sleeping at the Ruchenhüttli hut at around 1,520 m. The summit can also be reached from the Maderanertal side, from the SAC Hüfihütte, which lies about 3.5 km from the top and is a different base from the Brunnital approach. Pick your base in advance, because the two routes differ in character.

What should you expect on the route?

The route is long and physically demanding. The eastern part of the Ruchenfirn glacier lies roughly between 2,600 and 3,100 m, so crampons, ice axe, rope and a current read on snow conditions all matter. In winter the mountain is a demanding ski-touring objective, with a long climb and a descent through the Ruch Chälen.

When should you go?

Plan summer ascents for settled weather, from midsummer to early autumn, when the lower slopes are clear of snow and the glacier is easy to read. Start very early. Check the forecast and current conditions before you leave, and verify the route against an up-to-date Swiss map or SAC guidebook.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Gross Ruchen? It is 3,138 m above sea level.

Which mountains does it belong to? The Glarus Alps, in the canton of Uri in Switzerland, above the Brunnital valley.

Do you need glacier equipment? Yes. The route crosses the Ruchenfirn glacier and is graded WS, so you need crampons, a rope and glacier-travel skills.

Where is the best place to start? In Brunnital, from the car park at about 1,086 m, optionally with a night at Ruchenhüttli. The alternative is the Hüfihütte in Maderanertal.