Putzenhöhe Summit Cross (Cima di Pozzo)

Cime di Pozzo / Putzenhöhe is a fairly pronounced peak that rises on the high ridge called Grubachkamm or Cresta Monte Gruppo, placed between the lower Pusteria and the underlying valley of Selva dei Molini. The climb (20 minutes from Lago Verde) is recommended, as it offers a first-rate view of the Zillertal Alps and the Dolomites.

At 2,438 metres, the Putzenhöhe is not the highest peak that can be reached quickly from the GELENKE HIKING PARKING LOT (that would be the Bärentaler Spitz at 2,450 m), but there is a relatively direct and, in many parts, not too steep, well-marked hiking trail, so that most hikers choose the Putzenhöhe as their destination. From here you have a magnificent view of the Pfunderer Weg that runs along the ridge, the Kronplatz and, to the north, the Zillertal Alps. Most hikers probably start their ascent to the Putzenhöhe at the Gelenke hiking car park, from which there is a well-paved, wide gravel path to the Moarhofalm rest stop, which is open in summer and is even suitable for strollers (but do not take the direct, steep forest path as a shortcut with a stroller!). Behind the Moarhofalm, you turn left quite suddenly onto the first steep climb. From here you have a fantastic view of the valley and you can see that you have already gained a few meters in altitude. Now you switch back to the original gravel path, which soon ends. From here you go up in several levels of terrain. From the viewing bench you can see both the starting point and the summit cross of the Putzenhöhe for the first time. Soon, with the next level of terrain, the Grünbachsee comes quite unexpectedly into the hiker's view. From here, the Putzenhöhe seems close enough to touch. But be careful: now comes the steepest part of the hike. It takes at least 20 minutes to walk up from the lake. But the walk is definitely worth it! Many hikers choose the same route down as they did up, as it is the easiest. However, you should walk at least a few hundred meters west on the ridge and pass the Grünbachsee from the other side. If you feel like it and have the energy, you can of course also walk on the Pfunderer Höhenweg (which always runs on the ridge) over the Zwölferspitz behind the Knarling and then through the Kaltwassertal back to the Gelenke rest area. Another option is to park in Hofern, for example, and start the hike much further down in the valley.

The old cross stood on the summit of Putzenhöhe for 30 years, then it was exchanged for a new one in 2014. It was designed and built by Georg Rubner in memory of the late commander of the Kiens fire brigade, Paul Engl. The materials such as cement, water and iron bars were carried on the yoke by numerous military men and volunteers so that a new concrete base could be poured. Paul Kammerer drove the cross to the Grünbach Oberhütte and from there it was flown to the yoke in a helicopter and put on.