Ascent to Hohe Geige

The actual ascent to the Hohe Geige starts at the rather nice mountain cottage Chemnitzer Hütte (2,314 m above sea level) / where you could climb from Plangeross, for example. Just above it, from the hiking trail, is a beautiful view of the Pitztal valley, which is more than 700 meters below. On the horizon is a triumvirate of mountains – Watzespitze (3,533 m), Verpeilspitze (3,423 m) and Rofelwand (3,354 m)

After a long climb to the cottage, the first kilometer of the trip to the Hohe Geige is relatively relaxing. It rises with a rubble valley shaped by a glacier. The path in this passage does not climb very steeply. After a while, another route to the Weissmaurachachsee lake and on to the Weißmaurachjoch pass rests at a crossroads. After a while, the next road turns to the Gahwinden lookout point (2,648 m above sea level) / from there an alternative road leads to Hohe Geige /

Then comes the most tiring part of the whole ascent, overcoming more than 600 meters in a steep rock face. At the ascent you are directly opposite the huge wall of the Puitkogel and the small glacial lake Weissmaurachachsee. The most famous lake in the Pitztal, Rifflesee, can be seen on the horizon

One of the highest mountains in Austria rises on the horizon – Hochwernagtspitze (3,535 m above sea level). Even further behind it you can see part of the huge ice surface of the Gepatschferner – the largest glacier in the Ötztal Alps.

However, do not expect anything comfortable from your own journey in this part. In front of you is an endless steep, rocky slope. Relatively dangerous road in bad weather.

With increasing meters, you finally start to see across the rocky ridge Geigenkamm in a southerly direction. The ski resort at the end of the famous Ötztaler Gletscherstrasse below the Innere Schwarze Schneid (3,367 m above sea level) is clear. The mighty Rammolkogel (3,549 m above sea level) stands out completely on the horizon

After about three and a half hours of strenuous marching, you finally ascend the side ridge. The whole Kaunergrat is in the palm of your hand.

On one side of the ridge, a steep slope ending several hundred meters below the other side is a small glacial lake (3,250 m above sea level) in a relatively flat basin. An ideal place for a short rest and gaining strength for the final ascent to the Hohe Geige, which is only 150 meters higher than you

The first part of the final ascent is a march around a glacial lake to the main ridge. From here you can see the top cross on the Hohe Geige.

If you are lucky, you will also see chamois, which move perfectly gracefully even at these heights.

The final ascent along the ridge is full of dramatic views of the beautiful Ötztal Alps.

Just below the top, you can also come across snow fields, which you have to translate with great care. Hiking poles are minimal equipment.

From the top of the Hohe Geige there are wonderful views in all directions. The second highest mountain in Austria – Wildspitze – can also be seen beautifully