Rätikon

Rätikon
Schesaplana
Highest point
Peak	Schesaplana
Elevation	2,964 m (9,724 ft)
Coordinates	47°3′14″N 9°42′46″E / 47.05389°N 9.71278°E / 47.05389; 9.71278
Geography
Countries	Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
States	Vorarlberg and Graubünden, Canton of Grisons
Range coordinates	47°3′N 9°45′E / 47.050°N 9.750°E / 47.050; 9.750Coordinates: 47°3′N 9°45′E / 47.050°N 9.750°E / 47.050; 9.750
Parent range	Central Eastern Alps
Borders on	Silvretta, Verwall Alps, Plessur Range and Appenzell Alps
Topo map	Swiss Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

The Rätikon is a mountain range of the Central Eastern Alps, located at the border between Vorarlberg, Liechtenstein and Graubünden. It is the geological border between the Eastern and Western Alps and stretches from the Montafon as far as the Rhine. In the south, the Prättigau is its limit, and in the north, it is the Walgau. In the east, it borders the Silvretta groups. The Rätikon mountain range derives its name from Raetia, a province of the Roman Empire, named after the Rhaetian (Raeti or Rhaeti) people.

Topography and geology

The classification of the Rätikon to the central Eastern Alps is based solely on geographic-geological traditions. Large parts of the Rätikon consist of sedimentary rocks (limestones). From the geological point of view, the north-west Rätikon is assigned to the Northern Limestone Alps, while the South-West Rätikon belongs to the Bündner schist/ Bündner slate of the Western Alps.^[1]

Peaks

Drusenfluh

Drei Türme

Its chief peaks are:^[2]

• Schesaplana 2964 m (9725 ft)
• Schiltfluh 2890 m (9482 ft)
• Panüelerkopf 2859 m (9380 ft)
• Drusenfluh 2829 m (9282 ft)
• Madrisahorn 2830 m (9285 ft)
• Sulzfluh 2820 m (9252 ft)
• Wildberg 2788 m (9147 ft)
• Rätschenhorn 2703 m (8868 ft)
• Zimbaspitze 2643 m (8678 ft)
• Vorder Grauspitz 2599 m (8528 ft)
• Falknis 2566 m (8419 ft)
• Naafkopf 2571 m (8445 ft)
• Hornspitze 2537 m (8323 ft)
• Vilan 2376 m (7795 ft)
• Sassauna 2308 m (7572 ft)

For a list of passes see Passes of the Silvretta and Rätikon Ranges.

A multiday hike that follows a big portion of the Rätikon chain on its southern side is called "Prättigauer Höhenweg".^[3]

Neighboring mountain groups

The Rätikon is adjacent to the following other mountain groups in the Alps:^[4]

• In the north-east to the Bregenz Forest Mountains and to the Lechquellen Mountains, these two groups belong to the Northern Limestone Alps in the Eastern Alps.
• In the east to the Verwall Alps (Central Alps)
• In the southeast to the Silvretta Alps (Central Alps)
• In the south-west to the Plessur Alps (Central Alps)
• In the west to the Glarus Alps (Western Alps)
• In the north-west of the Appenzell Alps (Western Alps)

View of the southern terrace of the Walserkamm (Bregenz Forest Mountains) across the Walgau towards the south to the entire Austrian northern flank of the Rätikon; To the left are the Lechquellen Mountains, the west of the Verwall group, and a view of the Montafon and the central Silvretta; To the right, the view over the Rhine valley to the Appenzell Alps.

Tourism

Through the many mountains, the Rätikon is a first class area for all alpine sports such as hiking, skiing (including freeriding), cross-country skiing, mountain biking, etc. The position of the mountain chain allows for beautiful views and panoramic views. The cableways allow the ascent and descent to be shortened and only high-altitude hiking trails to be made.

The many huts allow one or more day walks. Many huts are hosted and also offer sleeping accommodations. The season usually starts in early April to late September / October, depending on the weather. Before starting a tour it is advised to ask beforehand in the regional tourist office or in the village.

See also

• Limestone Alps
• Swiss Alps

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rätikon.