Ruchen

Ruchen is the highest summit of the Mürtschenstock massif, rising to 2,441 m in the Glarus Alps above Glarus Nord, in the Swiss canton of Glarus. The massif looms over Lake Walen, with Fulen (about 2,410 m) and Stock (about 2,390 m) as its neighbouring peaks. This is a mountaineer's objective rather than a casual stroll, best suited to experienced alpine hikers and climbers.

Where is Ruchen?

The peak sits in the northern Glarus Alps at roughly 47.07° N, 9.14° E. Its north side drops toward the villages of Filzbach and Obstalden on Lake Walen, while the south side faces the Murg valley. Several Swiss mountains share the name Ruchen, so check that your route targets the Mürtschenstock summit and not the Ruchen in the Glärnisch massif.

How do you reach the trailhead?

The usual starting point is Talalp, reached from Filzbach by a narrow road with a toll machine on the way; hikers report paying in cash. Obstalden is another popular base for outings to Mürtschenstock and the lakeshore. From the Murg valley side, leave the A3 at the Murg-Mühlehorn exit and drive to the hamlet of Merlen. By public transport, take the train to Walenstadt, change to Murg, then continue by valley bus or taxi.

What does the ascent involve?

The standard route climbs from Talalp past the Talalpsee and Spanneggsee lakes to a scree field, then up a gully. The steepest section is protected by a fixed cable just below the south ridge at about 2,240 m. Trip reports grade the route around T5 to T6 with roughly 1,450 m of ascent. Snow can linger in the gully into June, so crampons and an ice axe may be needed. Traversing all three summits, Stock, Fulen and Ruchen, is a serious undertaking with demanding route-finding.

Is there an easier option?

If you would rather skip the climb, walk around the massif on marked trails. A circuit over three passes and past two mountain lakes runs beneath Ruchen toward Mürtschenalp; its high point is the Mürtschenfurggel pass at 1,840 m, and the full loop takes about nine hours. The gentler Murgseen circuit (T2) links three lakes and passes the Murgseehütte, which offers beds and lets you split the trip over two days. There is no mobile reception in the Murg valley, and the Murgsee bus is worth booking ahead.

When should you go?

High routes are best from summer to early autumn, once the gullies are clear of snow. Spring and early summer bring snow patches. In winter, the Filzbach and Obstalden area suits lower walks and sledging.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Ruchen? 2,441 m above sea level, though some maps show 2,440 m. It is the highest point of the Mürtschenstock massif.

Can you climb Ruchen without climbing gear? The normal route has no technical rock climbing, but it is a hard alpine route with a steep gully, a fixed cable and route-finding. In snow you need crampons and an ice axe.

Where is the best place to start? Most people start at Talalp above Filzbach. You can also set out from Obstalden or from the Murg valley via Merlen.

Is this the only mountain called Ruchen? No. Switzerland has several peaks of that name, including one in the Glärnisch massif and one in the Jura. This one lies in the municipality of Glarus Nord.