Location and surroundings
Chammliberg sits in the Uri-Glarus Alps, part of the Glarus Alps in the Western Alps of Switzerland. Administratively it lies in the municipality of Silenen, in the region of Uri. Within the Uri-Glarus Alps it ranks 8th by elevation among 335 named peaks, and it is lower than the range high point, Piz Tgietschen, which rises 12 km to the southwest.
The mountain is surrounded by high alpine ground, glacier basins and narrow ridges. The south side is draped by the Hüfi Glacier, while the north-west side is a steep wall. Nearby passes and summits show that this is a compact high-mountain area rather than an isolated peak.
Neighbouring peaks
- Chammlihoren — 3,026 m, 0.6 km south
- Chammlilücke — 2,825 m, 0.7 km southwest
- Chammlijoch — 2,996 m, 0.8 km northeast
- Gross Schärhorn — 3,294 m, 1.6 km southwest
- Scheerhorn — 3,295 m, 1.6 km southwest
- Chli Schärhorn — 3,234 m, 1.8 km southwest
- Bocktschingelgrat — 3,207 m, 2.0 km southwest
- Tierälpligrat — 2,526 m, 2.1 km north
The nearest higher peak is Gross Schärhorn, 1.6 km to the southwest. Several neighbours are close enough to form a tight alpine skyline, and the higher summits in the Schärhorn area are only slightly above Chammliberg.
The view from the summit
From Chammliberg, the main high points within 25 km are part of the same alpine chain and the broader Uri-Glarus group. To the southeast lie Piz Russein at 3,614 m, Bifertenstock at 3,419 m and Cavistrau Grond at 3,251 m. To the southwest is Piz Tgietschen at 3,328 m, while Claridenstock rises 2.1 km to the east and Gross Düssi stands 5.2 km to the south.
These peaks frame the summit with a mix of glacier basins, ridges and distant high summits. The view is shaped by the surrounding 3,000-metre terrain rather than by lowland outlooks.
The range
Chammliberg belongs to the Uri-Glarus Alps, a subrange of the Glarus Alps in the Alps. The highest peak of this range is Piz Tgietschen at 3,328 m, about 12 km southwest of Chammliberg. The range spans the Swiss alpine zone, and Chammliberg sits among its higher named summits, though not at the top.
In the local ranking, Chammliberg is 8th highest among 335 named peaks in the Uri-Glarus Alps. That places it well inside the upper tier of the range, in a sector where many summits are close in height and separated by passes and glacier saddles.
Climbing routes
The easiest listed ascent is the South-north ridge, crossed from the southwest. It is graded PD+ on the alpine scale, with engagement II and free climbing 2. The route involves about 1,400 m of ascent, usually takes 1 day, and faces south, southeast, east, northeast and north.
This is a serious alpine climb rather than a hike. The line calls for glacier and ridge travel, steady movement on mixed terrain, and comfort with exposed sections.
Access and starting points
The mountain is commonly approached from the Klausen Pass area, and Unterschächen is the usual starting town mentioned for this side of the range. Another approach links from the Hüfihütte side over glacier terrain toward the summit ridge. The area is remote, and access is shaped by high alpine valleys, glacier approaches and long mountain days.
Because the climb involves glacier travel and ridge work, the practical starting point depends on conditions, snow cover and the chosen line. In this part of Uri, the approach is usually planned as a full alpine outing rather than a short walk from a roadhead.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data adjusted to summit height. At the summit, the warmest month is July at about 3 °C, and the coldest is January at about -10 °C. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 1,550 mm; the wettest month is August at about 190 mm, and the driest is February at about 80 mm.
In this alpine setting, weather can change quickly, with snow, fog, wind and wet rock or ice even in summer. Glacier routes also bring crevasse and snow-bridge hazards, especially after warm periods or fresh snowfall.
Best time to visit
At summit level, the months with a mean temperature above freezing are June, July and August. That is the main season for climbing Chammliberg, when snow conditions are usually more manageable and daylight is long. Even then, early starts are common because afternoon warming can weaken snow bridges and increase rockfall risk.
The drier part of the year is generally late winter and early spring, but high alpine access is then more limited by snow and cold. For this peak, the practical season is usually the short summer window when glacier travel is still possible and conditions are more stable.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain lies in a high alpine landscape of rock, ice, snowfields and sparse vegetation. Lower slopes in Uri can carry alpine grasses, mosses and hardy flowers, but near the summit the terrain is mostly bare stone and glacier ice. Wildlife in this region can include ibex, chamois, marmots and alpine birds, though sightings depend on season and quiet conditions.
At this elevation, plant life is limited by cold, wind and a short growing season. The main natural features around Chammliberg are the glacier, steep faces and ridges that shape both the scenery and the climbing.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Chammliberg, a certified mountain guide is advisable unless you already have solid glacier and alpine-ridge experience. In Switzerland, guides are certified through the Swiss Mountain Guides Association (SBV/ASGM), an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC/CAS), and established guiding companies include Zermatters and Bergsteigerschule Pontresina (Go Vertical Mountain Guides).
A guided ascent usually covers route choice, rope work, glacier travel, pacing and safety decisions. The cost depends on the number of days, group size, hut nights and equipment needs. For a mountain of this type, visitors often also check with local tourist offices in the Uri and Klausen Pass area before setting out.
Safety and preparation
Chammliberg demands alpine fitness, sure-footed movement and experience with glacier terrain. The route can involve crevasses, hard snow, exposed ridge sections and rapidly changing weather. Helmets, rope, crampons and an ice axe are standard on such climbs, and an early start is wise to reduce afternoon instability.
For mountain rescue in Switzerland, the emergency number is 1414 for Rega; 144 and 112 also work. Mobile coverage can be patchy in deep valleys and behind ridges, so maps should be downloaded before departure.
History and name
The name Chammliberg is tied to the same local naming family as nearby Chammlihoren, Chammlilücke and Chammlijoch, which reflects the mountain’s place in a compact alpine group. The summit lies in the chain north-west of the Tödi, between the Schärhorn and Clariden area.
French and English descriptions of the mountain emphasise the same basic setting: a Uri peak in the Glarus Alps, with a glacier-covered south side and a steep face on the opposite side. The summit is part of a long-established alpine landscape rather than a recently named feature.
Interesting facts
Chammliberg is the 8th highest of 335 named peaks in the Uri-Glarus Alps. Its nearest higher neighbour is Gross Schärhorn, 1.6 km away to the southwest, and the range high point, Piz Tgietschen, lies about 12 km away. The summit is also close to several passes, including Chammlilücke and Chammlijoch.
One notable feature is the contrast between the glacier-covered south side and the steep north-west face. That combination makes the mountain a clear alpine objective with mixed snow, ice and rock terrain.
FAQ
How high is Chammliberg? It rises to 3,215 m.
Where is Chammliberg? It is in Switzerland, in the canton of Uri, within the municipality of Silenen, in the Uri-Glarus Alps.
What is the easiest route up Chammliberg? The easiest listed line is the South-north ridge from the southwest, graded PD+ with engagement II and free climbing 2. It involves about 1,400 m of ascent and usually takes 1 day.
How hard is it to climb Chammliberg? It is an alpine climb with glacier and ridge sections. The easiest route is already serious, and harder conditions can make the route more demanding than the grade suggests.
Are there huts on Chammliberg? Planura Refuge lies on the far side of the Hüfi Glacier, and the Hüfihütte is also used for approaches in this area.
Is there water on the way to Chammliberg? Near the glacier, water is usually from snowmelt and must be treated. On dry ridges you should carry your own supply; plan on about 1.5 to 3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable? There are 3 mapped communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest about 3.6 km north. On open ground a signal is likely, but it can fail in valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you go.