Rätikon


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 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. From a 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.

Peaks

Its chief peaks are:
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".

Neighboring mountain groups

The Rätikon is adjacent to the following other mountain groups in the Alps:
Because of the many mountains, the Rätikon is a first class area for all alpine sports such as hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, etc. The position of the mountain chain allows for beautiful and panoramic views. The cableways permit shortened ascents and descents and enable pure high-altitude hiking.
Thanks to many Alpine shelters, daylong or multi-day walks are possible. Many huts are hosted and offer sleeping accommodations. The season usually starts in early April to late September / October, depending on the weather. Before starting a tour, it is adviseable to inquire about vacancies and locations at regional tourist offices or in the different villages.

Mountain Huts

Mountain huts operated by the following organizations are found in the Vorarlberg part of the Rätikon: German, Austrian Alpine Club and friends of nature Austria:
In Liechtenstein's part of the Rätikon, the following huts of the Liechtensteiner Alpenverein may be found:
In the Graubünden or Grisons Rätikon, huts of the Swiss Alpine Club and other mountain houses may be found:
In Montafon/Vorarlberg:
In Grison/Graubünden: