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6: Central Swiss Alps

Divided by major road passes, the Alps of Central and Eastern Switzerland are extremely diverse. Immediately to the east of the Bernese Alps, the Dammastock group dominates the neatly contained Urner Oberland, shared between Cantons Bern and Uri. High-standard, but low-altitude rock climbs abound on walls flanking the Göschenertal, the 2981m Salbitschijen being prominent among them. Snow and ice climbs are found at the head of the valley, also above the Furkapass and west of the Susten. North of the Sustenpass the Titlis (3238m) is the main focus of attention for visitors to Engelberg. But elsewhere in this group the Gross and Klein Spannort and Uri-Rotstock each have their own unique appeal. Comparatively easy climbs are the order of the day, although hard routes exist on the massive East Face of the Titlis. Walking is the main activity. On the east side of the Reuss valley the Glarner Alps are subdivided by charming valleys little known to outsiders. A few glaciers and snowfields remain among the highest peaks, but this is a range of mostly easy summits. Best known is the 3614m Tödi, first climbed in 1824, but others with considerable appeal include the Grosse Windgällen, Oberalpstock and Clariden. Ski ascents are not uncommon, and mountain walkers are rewarded with countless opportunities.