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About this place
Witenalpstock is a 3,016 m summit above Silenen in the Swiss canton of Uri. It sits right on the border between Uri and Graubünden and belongs to the Glarus Alps, in their high-alpine eastern part.
Where is Witenalpstock?
The mountain rises on a ridge that separates two valleys: the Etzlital on the Uri side and the Val Strem on the Graubünden side. The taller Oberalpstock stands to the east along the same ridge. The summit lies at roughly 46.74° N, 8.75° E. Access runs through the Etzlital, a side valley of the Maderanertal in the municipality of Silenen.
Where do you start?
The natural base is the Etzlihütte, an SAC hut at about 2,050 m (sources quote anywhere from 2,048 to 2,080 m). The summit is about 2.8 km from the hut in a straight line, with close to 1,000 m of climbing. The hut also serves as a starting point for other peaks in the group, so a stay there lets you plan several days in one area.
Practical note: according to the hut's own information, it is closed in summer 2026 for renovation. Check its current status before you plan a trip.
Is it a beginner's outing?
No. Witenalpstock is a high-alpine peak, and the ascent calls for alpine experience, good fitness and a reliable weather forecast. Mountain portals do not publish a standard difficulty grade for it, so get current route and conditions advice from the hut warden, a mountain guide or the SAC guidebook to the Glarus Alps.
What will you see?
From the ridge area you look over the high country of the Uri–Graubünden border: rock walls, the Etzlital far below and the neighbouring Oberalpstock massif. The region is wild and undeveloped; beyond the hut there is no tourist infrastructure.
When should you go?
The high-mountain season here generally runs from summer to early autumn, once snow has cleared from the approach trails. Outside that window the ascent needs winter equipment and skills.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Witenalpstock?
3,016 m above sea level.
Which canton is it in?
It straddles two cantons, Uri and Graubünden. The approach is from the Uri side through the Etzlital.
Where can you stay overnight?
The nearest hut is the Etzlihütte (SAC) at about 2,050 m, roughly 2.8 km from the summit. Confirm it is open for your season; it is under renovation in 2026.
Do you need a guide?
No standard difficulty grade is published. Anyone without alpine experience should go with a mountain guide.
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