Location and surroundings
Chli Glatten lies in the Uri-Glarus Alps, within the Glarus Alps, the Northwestern Alps, the Western Alps, the Alps and the Central European Highlands. It is in Uri, in the municipality of Unterschächen, in central Switzerland. Among the named peaks of the Uri-Glarus Alps, it ranks 214th by elevation.
The mountain rises above a typical high alpine landscape of ridges, grassy slopes, rock bands and open passes. Nearby settlements are small and spread out, with Urnerboden to the east and Unterschächen to the southwest. The area is shaped by mountain travel rather than dense habitation, and access is usually from valley roads and high parking areas.
Neighbouring peaks
- Balmer Butzli (2,343 m), 0.4 km southwest
- Rau Stockli (2,289 m), 0.8 km west
- Bödmerstöckli (2,076 m), 1.0 km south
- Oberen Gitschen (1,738 m), 1.5 km north
- Glatten (2,505 m), 1.5 km east
- Märcher Stöckli (2,382 m), 1.6 km southeast
- Geissberg (2,236 m), 1.7 km west
- Ruosalper Chulm (mountain pass, 2,178 m), 1.9 km west
The nearest higher peak is Balmer Butzli, only 0.4 km away to the southwest. Chli Glatten is lower than several nearby summits, including Glatten to the east, but it still forms part of a closely packed ridge landscape where short distances separate peaks and passes.
The view from the summit
From Chli Glatten, the highest peaks within 25 km are spread across the Uri Alps and the surrounding high country. To the southeast lie Claridenstock (3,267 m, 5.2 km), Scheerhorn (3,295 m, 6.4 km), Piz Russein (3,614 m, 9.9 km), Gross Düssi (3,256 m, 10.3 km) and Bifertenstock (3,419 m, 12.6 km). Farther south is Piz Tgietschen (3,328 m, 16.6 km). These are the main high points that shape the wider skyline.
The range
Chli Glatten 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 17 km south of Chli Glatten. The range contains 335 named peaks, and Chli Glatten ranks 214th by elevation among them. Its position in the range places it well below the main high summits, but still within a strongly alpine setting.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlement is Urnerboden, 4.7 km east of the summit, followed by Unterschächen, 5.8 km southwest. OpenStreetMap also shows a drinking water point 1.3 km south, bus stops at Balm (Klausen) 1.3 km south and Untere Balm 1.4 km southwest, and a car park 1.1 km south of the top. There are 14 car parks within 2 km, which suggests that access is commonly made from the road network and then on foot.
A rough walking estimate from the nearest car park is 50–70 minutes for about 1.5 km on foot and 420 m of ascent. From Urnerboden, the estimate is 2–3.5 hours for about 6.1 km and 930 m of ascent. These are only estimates from distance and height gain; the real route may be longer depending on the line chosen and ground conditions.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data, adjusted to summit height. At the top of Chli Glatten, the warmest month is July at about 9 °C, while January is the coldest month at about -8 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing from May through October. In the surrounding area, annual precipitation is about 1,550 mm, with August the wettest month at about 190 mm and February the driest at about 80 mm.
In this part of the Alps, weather can change quickly, especially with afternoon cloud build-up, rain, fog and sudden wind on exposed ridges. Even in summer, snow patches may remain on shaded slopes or in gullies at this height.
Best time to visit
The most practical period for a visit is usually the warmer part of the year, when the summit is above freezing and the ground is less likely to be snow-covered. For Chli Glatten, that means roughly May to October, with the most comfortable conditions often in summer and early autumn. The drier part of the year is generally late winter and early spring, but at this elevation snow and ice can still make travel difficult.
Because the mountain is in a high alpine area, the best day depends on recent weather as much as on the calendar. Clear mornings are often preferable, since cloud, showers and thunderstorms can build later in the day.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes around Chli Glatten belong to a high alpine environment with grass, scree, rock and seasonal snow. Lower sections may carry alpine meadow vegetation in summer, while higher ground becomes sparse and exposed. Wildlife in this region can include mountain-dwelling birds, marmots and ibex, with animals moving according to season, snow cover and disturbance.
At this elevation, plant life is limited by wind, cold and a short growing season. The landscape is generally open, so sun exposure can be strong and water sources may be seasonal. Hikers should expect a mountain environment rather than a forested one.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Chli Glatten, a certified guide can be useful if you are unfamiliar with alpine terrain, route-finding, loose ground or changing weather. In Switzerland, guides are certified through the Swiss Mountain Guides Association (SBV/ASGM), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC/CAS). Visitors often also contact local tourist offices in the valley towns and villages named for access advice.
Guided ascents in Switzerland usually include route planning, pacing, safety decisions and, where needed, rope work and equipment advice. The cost depends on the number of days, group size, hut nights and technical gear. Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of Switzerland include Zermatters and Bergsteigerschule Pontresina (Go Vertical Mountain Guides).
Safety and preparation
Chli Glatten is not a very high summit by Alpine standards, but it still demands mountain fitness, sure footing and attention to weather. The terrain around it can involve steep grass, rock, loose ground and exposed sections, so good boots, layered clothing, map or offline navigation and enough food and water are sensible. Snowfields may linger into the warmer months, especially after cold spells.
For mountain rescue in Switzerland, the emergency number is 1414 for Rega; 144 and 112 also work. In an emergency, call as soon as possible and give your location, route and condition clearly.
Interesting facts
Chli Glatten is 214th by elevation among the 335 named peaks of the Uri-Glarus Alps. Its nearest higher neighbour is Balmer Butzli, just 0.4 km away to the southwest. The highest peak of the range, Piz Tgietschen, lies about 17 km to the south. These figures place Chli Glatten in a compact alpine cluster rather than on a remote outlying ridge.
The summit is also close to several other named peaks and a mountain pass, which makes the area useful for ridge traverses and short linking routes in principle, even though the exact line depends on conditions and local route choice.
FAQ
How high is Chli Glatten? It reaches 2,313 m above sea level.
Where is Chli Glatten? It is in Switzerland, in Uri, within the municipality of Unterschächen, in the Uri-Glarus Alps.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher peak is Balmer Butzli, 0.4 km southwest of Chli Glatten.
How does it compare with the highest peak in the range? The highest peak of the Uri-Glarus Alps is Piz Tgietschen at 3,328 m, about 17 km south of Chli Glatten.
Is there water on the way to Chli Glatten? A drinking water point is mapped 1.3 km south of the summit. In this alpine terrain, water may still be limited on the upper slopes, so carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length.
Are there huts on Chli Glatten? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to walk up Chli Glatten? From the car park 1.1 km south of the top, the rough walking estimate is 50–70 minutes for about 1.5 km on foot and 420 m of ascent. From Urnerboden, it is about 2–3.5 hours for roughly 6.1 km and 930 m of ascent; the real path may be longer.
Will my phone work on Chli Glatten? Three communication masts are mapped within 10 km, the nearest 2.3 km southeast. On an open summit a signal is likely, but it can fail in valleys or behind ridges. Always download maps before setting out, and remember that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.