Dürrenstein Peak (2,839 m)

The hike to the summit of the Dürrenstein is not a great challenge for experienced hikers. Before you reach the goal there is a short passage where you need a head for heights, but which is also secured with ropes. You should plan about two hours when you start at the Plätzwiese.The summit is particularly worthwhile in the early morning hours. From there you have a gigantic view of the Braies Dolomites, the Sesto Dolomites with their striking Three Peaks in the east and the Cristallo Group in the south due to the exposed location. To the north you have an unobstructed view of the glaciers of the main Alpine ridge. The most striking are the large ice surfaces on the Großer Möseler and Hochfeiler in the Zillertal Alps.The climb is exposed to the sun. An early ascent in summer is therefore advisable. Take enough water with you. At the Plätzwiese alpine hut there is a fountain to fill your drinking bottle.

The view from Dürrenstein is overwhelming. Due to the exposed location high above the Puster Valley, you have a clear view of the entire main Alpine ridge of the Eastern Alps from the Ötztal Alps to the Hohe Tauern.
In the south you can see many of the northern Domlomitengipfel such as the Three Peaks, Monte Cristallo, Hohe Gaisl, Peitler and Geisler peaks.

The massif of the Dürrenstein is hiked over the long, steadily rising south side and is a very promising summit of the Pragser Dolomites. Shortly after the Hotel an der Plätzwiese, turn left onto trail 40, which leads to the summit. There is always a fantastic view of Hohe Gaisl, Tofana and Monte Cristallo. A bit higher and already in the rocky areas you can see for the first time the tips of the Drei Zinnen. If the view falls on the near summit cross, it is again somewhat exposed, but secured by chains and wire ropes, down again and then reached the summit cross after a few meters. From here you can now also overlook the entire Sextener Dolomites.