Düssi, Mountain peak in Uri and Grisons, Switzerland

Düssi is a mountain peak in the Glarus Alps standing at 3,256 meters (10,682 feet) that forms the natural border between the Swiss cantons of Uri and Graubünden. The massif has two distinct summits: the main peak Gross Düssi and the lower Chli Düssi at 3,125 meters (10,253 feet).

The first ascent of Gross Düssi was made in 1841 by Arnold Escher von der Linth with Gedeon Tresch via the south ridge, overcoming grade II difficulties. In 1895 Shawe and Withe with guide Johann-Josef Maria Tresch-Indergand made the first ascent of the west rib. On 23 July 1896 two unknown Englishmen with Uri guides J. J. Tresch and Fr. Truffer succeeded on the north-west ridge (grade III).

The name reflects the linguistic heritage of the Alpine region, where local communities on either side call it Düssi or Piz Git depending on which canton they inhabit. This duality shows the cultural bridge the mountain creates between Uri and Graubünden.

The usual route starts at the Hüfihütte at 2,334 m, reached by marked trails from the Maderanertal; the summit is then gained via the south ridge, with sections of grade II scrambling. The north-west ridge involves grade III climbing. Carry rope and mountain gear for the upper passages.

The area around the peak shows clearly how canton boundaries follow the ridge and crest lines as natural dividers across the landscape. Visitors often notice they have crossed two cantons simultaneously when standing at the summit.