Gwächtenhorn, Alpine summit in Uri Alps, Switzerland

Gwächtenhorn is a summit in the Uri Alps rising to 3,420 meters and marking the boundary between Bern and Uri cantons. The mountain features accessible routes with established trails and glacier sections that climbers navigate from the lower elevations.

The Gwächtenhorn lies on the border between the cantons of Bern and Uri, in the Urner Alps near the Susten Pass. Its north flank is covered by the Stein Glacier and its south flank drops as a rock wall to the Chelen Glacier above the Göschenertal. The Tierberglihütte (2,797 m), maintained by the Baselland section of the Swiss Alpine Club, stands on the Tierberg below the summit.

The name Gwächtenhorn combines the Swiss German word "Gwächten" with "Horn" (peak). The summit lies on the cantonal border, so ascents are made from both the Bern side over the Stein Glacier and the Uri side over the Chelen Glacier. The Tierberglihütte at 2,797 metres, maintained by the Baselland section of the Swiss Alpine Club, serves as a base for these tours.

The usual route reaches the summit via the east flank, a comparatively easy glacier tour; the north side, covered in snow down to its base, is skied by alpinists. The Tierberglihütte (2,797 m), maintained by the Basel-Land section of the Swiss Alpine Club, stands on the Tierberg below the north flank. Glacier gear and rope travel are needed.

The Gwächtenhorn's summit is glaciated, so its height varies between map editions; the 3,420 m figure is the usual one. West of the main summit lies the Tierberglimi saddle (Chelenlücke), facing the Hinter Tierberg at 3,447 m. The flat east ridge drops gently to 3,159 m before rising to the Rot Stock (3,183.3 m).