What if I told you about a mountain range that forms a tri border point between three countries? I’m talking about the Rätikon. It is one of the best mountain ranges for alpine adventures in the Central Eastern Alps. The Rätikon rests on the tri border point between Liechtenstein, Switzerland’s Grisons canton and Austria’s Vorarlberg state.
The Rätikon’s name comes from the Roman province of Raetia. Even today Rhaetian languages such as Romansh are spoken nearby. The highest point in the Rätikon is Schesaplana. It stands at 2964 meters. That is over 9700 feet.
Three significant valleys define the Rätikon’s boundaries. The Montafon Valley and the Walgau Valley run along the northeastern edge. The Ill River meanders through both valleys. The Rhine forms the range’s western border. The Landquart River’s Prättigau Valley forms the Rätikon’s southern border.
Seven mountain ranges surround the Rätikon. To the southeast are the Silvretta Alps. Directly east are the Verwall Alps. Across the Rhine to the west are the Appenzell Alps, Glarus Alps and Plessur Alps. The Bregenz Forest Mountains and the Lechquellen Mountains are to the northwest.
The Rätikon is a long ridge snaking from northwest to southeast. The northern end roughly follows the Liechtenstein Austria border. The southern end generally follows the Swiss Austrian border. No summits in the Rätikon reach 3000 meters in elevation.
The Rätikon can be divided into 14 sub groups. The largest group is the Naafkopf Falknis Chain on Liechtenstein’s border. The smallest group is the Kirchlispitzen Group.
The Rätikon’s basis began forming approximately 66 million years ago. This happened during the Alpine Orogeny. Convergent movement between tectonic plates formed the Alps including the Rätikon.
The composition of the northwestern Rätikon is sedimentary rocks primarily limestone. The southeastern Rätikon is primarily Graubünden slates including shists, mica and calcareous mica schists.
Limited glaciation and lush limestone landscapes have enabled numerous mammal and plant species to prosper in the Rätikon. Common mammal species include chamois, ibex, marmots, squirrels and mountain hares. Stone martens and foxes are among the main predators.
Two of the most impressive birds of prey are bearded vultures and golden eagles. Other notable bird species include nutcrackers, black grouses, ptarmigans and Alpine choughs. The only venomous snake is the common European adder.
The Rätikon features primarily mixed coniferous forests. At lower elevations larches, Norway spruces and firs are common. Hardier trees like Arolla pines are prevalent up to the tree line. Above the tree line alpine pastures and shrublands replace the forests. Flowering plants are widespread on these alpine pastures.
The Rätikon’s hiking history is long. The first reported ascent of Schesaplana dates back to the early 17th century. On August 24th 1610 David Pappus von Tratzberg and two guides scaled Schesaplana. However it’s believed he only explored the area around Verajoch. The actual first ascent took place in the 1730s by Nicolin Sererhard and two guides.
Anton Neier made the first successful ascent of Zimba. It is nicknamed the Rätikon Matterhorn. Schesaplana is featured in the 1880 children’s book Heidi.
The Rätikon is one of the Alps’ finest areas for winter sports. It is home to some of the finest mountains for experienced climbers. These include Zimba, Drusenfluh and Kirchlispitzen.
Grauspitz is the highest mountain in Liechtenstein. It is also the highest summit in the Rätikon west of the Schesaplana Group. Sulzfluh is hugely popular with hikers. Six caves are carved into Sulzfluh’s limestone slopes.
Naafkopf is famous for straddling the tri border point between Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Drei Schwestern or the Three Sisters is a tri peaked mountain.
The Prättigauer Höhenweg is one of the highlights of the Rätikon’s long distance trails. Along the way you will enjoy spectacular views of many beautiful mountains.
Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein. It is on the Rätikon’s western border. Feldkirch is the Austrian town at the northern tip of the Rätikon. Bludenz is located between several mountain ranges and valleys.
So when you think of the Rätikon remember its unique position. It bridges countries and geological divides. It offers adventure for every level of outdoor enthusiast.