Rheinwaldhorn

Rheinwaldhorn (Adula in Italian) is a 3,402 m peak above the Rheinwald valley in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It rises on the border between Graubünden and Ticino, inside the Adula massif of the Lepontine Alps, and is the highest point in Ticino. The Hinterrhein, one of the two headstreams of the Rhine, begins at its foot.

Where is Rheinwaldhorn?

The mountain stands in southern Switzerland, not far from the Italian border. The Adula massif belongs to the Lepontine Alps, usually counted among the Western Alps. Northern slopes drop toward the Rheinwald region in Graubünden, southern ones toward the valleys of Ticino. The Paradies glacier lies beneath the summit and feeds the Hinterrhein.

What is the climb like?

This is a high-alpine objective, not a hike. The standard routes are technically easy, but they cross glacier ice, so crevasses and changing snow conditions are part of the day. Bring crampons, rope, an ice axe and know how to move roped together. If you lack glacier experience, hire a mountain guide.

The most commonly described route climbs the Val Carassina from the Ticino side to Capanna Adula CAS, then on to the higher Capanna Adula UTOE. From there you step onto the glacier, head for the Adulajoch area and follow the ridge to the top. Spring trip reports give about four hours from the UTOE hut to the summit, and a bergschrund can open up on the glacier. Another approach starts from the Zapporthütte on the Graubünden side.

What is its history?

The first ascent took place in 1789, led by the monk Placidus a Spescha. The party slept at the Zapport alpine pastures, moved up to a spot called Paradies beneath the glacier, crossed the Lenta pass between Rheinwaldhorn and Güferhorn, and followed the ridge to the summit. It ranks among the earliest ascents of a high Alpine peak.

What will you see?

From the top you look over the glaciers of the Adula massif, the crests of the Lepontine Alps and the valleys of both cantons. Standing on the highest point of Ticino, next to the sources of the Rhine, is part of the appeal. On the way you pass moraines, snowfields, glacier and granite ridges.

When should you go?

Summer ascents usually run from July to September, when huts are staffed and snow on the approach is stable. In spring the peak sees ski and snow tours, which call for avalanche assessment. Start early, because snow softens in the afternoon and mountain weather turns quickly. Check the forecast and current conditions with the huts before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Rheinwaldhorn? 3,402 m above sea level, the highest summit of Ticino.

Are Rheinwaldhorn and Adula the same mountain? Yes. Adula is the Italian name, Rheinwaldhorn the German one. The massif is named after it as well.

Can I climb it without a guide? Technical difficulty is low, but the glacier demands equipment and roped-team skills. Without experience, book a guide.

Where can I stay before the climb? At Capanna Adula CAS and Capanna Adula UTOE on the Ticino side, or the Zapporthütte on the Graubünden side. Check opening dates and reserve a bed.