Gross Chärpf, Mountain summit in Glarus, Switzerland

The Kärpf, also called Gross Chärpf, is a 2,794 m summit in the Glarus Alps, the highest point of the massif north of the Richetli Pass (2,261 m). It stands in the municipality of Glarus Süd, canton of Glarus, separating the Linth valley with Linthal on the west from the Sernftal with Elm on the east. A small valley on its north side holds the Garichtisee.

The Kärpf lies within the Freiberg Kärpf wildlife reserve, the oldest hunting ban area in Europe, first documented in writing in 1548. The mountain's name derives from the Romansh word Crap, meaning stone. The Via Alpina (green route) crosses the Richetlipass (2,261 m) between the Kärpf and the neighbouring Hausstock.

The name Kärpf derives from the Romansh word crap, meaning stone. The mountain lies within the Freiberg Kärpf wildlife reserve, first documented in 1548 and considered Europe's oldest hunting ban area. The green Via Alpina route crosses the Richetlipass (2,261 m) between the Kärpf and the neighbouring Hausstock.

Visitors should be prepared for changing mountain weather and bring warm clothing and protective gear, as conditions can shift rapidly at higher elevations. Several hiking routes of varying difficulty are available, so planning your route beforehand and keeping track of daylight hours is helpful for a safe visit.

The Kärpf massif's name comes from the Romansh word crap, meaning stone. The mountain rises above the Garichtisee, a small lake in a valley basin on its north side, and the surrounding Freiberg Kärpf area was first recorded in writing in 1548 as Europe's oldest hunting ban district.