Highlight • Summit
Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit
Mountaineering
4.8
(27)
Hiking
5.0
(3)
The Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit, standing at 3,564 meters above sea level, is a majestic peak nestled in the Hohe Tauern range within the Austrian state of Salzburg. As the third-highest peak in the Hohe Tauern and the second-highest independent mountain in the Glockner Group, it presents a striking, firn-capped silhouette that is often considered a rival to the iconic Großglockner. Its dramatic eastern and southeastern slopes plunge approximately 2,300 meters down to the Fuscher Ache valley, creating one of the most significant height differences between mountaintop and valley floor in the Eastern Alps.
What truly captivates visitors to the Großes Wiesbachhorn are the magnificent panoramic views from its summit. Hikers consistently rave about the sweeping vistas that encompass prominent landmarks like the Kitzsteinhorn, the Großglockner, and the turquoise reservoirs of the Mooserboden below. This dream peak offers a profound sense of achievement and an unparalleled connection with the high alpine environment, making the challenging ascent incredibly rewarding.
Before embarking on an adventure to the Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit, it's crucial to be well-prepared. The terrain demands surefootedness, a good head for heights, and excellent physical condition. Mountaineers should carry essential gear such as crampons and an ice axe, especially during the early summer months, even if opting for routes that minimize glacier contact. Appropriate mountain footwear, weather-resistant clothing, and sufficient provisions are also vital for a safe and enjoyable experience in this high-alpine environment.
The best time to visit the Großes Wiesbachhorn is typically during the summer months when conditions are most favorable for mountaineering. Many choose to make the ascent a two-day tour, allowing for a more relaxed pace and an overnight stay at the Heinrich-Schwaiger-Haus. This approach breaks up the journey, offering stunning views of the surrounding lakes and glaciers, and ensures a fresh start for the summit push.
The most common and recommended route to the summit is via the Kaindlgrat. This path, while challenging, is considered the normalweg and is often started from the Heinrich-Schwaiger-Haus. From the hut, the ascent to the summit typically takes around three hours, involving sections of rock climbing and a firn edge. This route is known for its accessibility for experienced hikers in good physical shape, though it still requires careful navigation and proper equipment.
Reaching the summit of the Großes Wiesbachhorn offers truly unforgettable moments. Imagine standing atop this grand peak, surrounded by a sea of glaciers like the Teufelsmühlkees, Kaindlkees, Wielingerkees, and Sandbodenkees, with the Mooserboden Stausee sparkling far below. The feeling of being amidst such raw, natural beauty, with less crowding than some of its more famous neighbors, provides a serene and deeply personal high-alpine adventure.
For those eager to explore this iconic Austrian peak, komoot offers a variety of routes and detailed maps to help plan your visit. Whether you're looking for advanced routes or a multi-day mountaineering experience, you can discover trails that cater to different skill levels, ensuring you find the perfect way to experience the Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit and its breathtaking surroundings.
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
August 31, 2024
Hiking
•
January 20, 2023
Mountaineering
I recommend making it 2 days tour because, on the first day, you can get to the Heinrich-Schwaiger-Haus from the Kaprun Kesselfall and see beautiful lakes and after a delightful oversleep with an amazing view on the lakes, make the summit and return via the bus.
July 31, 2018
Mountaineering
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit
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Details
Informations
Elevation 3,500 m
Contacts
Großes Wiesbachhorn, 5672 Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße
Good to know
Family Friendly
no
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
no
Weather
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Tuesday 26 May
18°C
8°C
53 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended route for ascending Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit?
The most common and recommended route is the Kaindlgrat, which is considered the normalweg. Many mountaineers start this ascent from the Heinrich-Schwaiger-Haus, a mountain hut located at 2,802 meters. From the hut, the summit push typically takes around three hours.
How difficult is the ascent to Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit, and is it suitable for beginners?
The ascent to Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit is considered challenging and requires excellent physical condition, surefootedness, and a head for heights. While the standard Kaindlgrat route is relatively accessible for beginners in good physical shape, it involves a 35° inclined firn edge and rock sections rated UIAA I. It is not recommended for absolute beginners without prior high-alpine experience.
What essential gear should I bring for a hike to Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit?
Even if you plan to avoid glacier contact, crampons and an ice axe are strongly recommended, especially earlier in the summer season. You should also bring appropriate mountain footwear, weather-resistant clothing, a helmet for potential rockfall, and sufficient provisions and water. Many hikers opt for poles as well.
Can I avoid glacier contact on the way to Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit?
Yes, it is possible to ascend Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit without direct glacier contact if you start from the Heinrich-Schwaiger-Haus. However, the mountain is almost entirely encircled by glaciers, and firn fields (permanent snowfields) are common, making crampons and an ice axe advisable.
Are there any alternative or advanced routes to the summit?
Historically, the Northwest Face (Nordwestwand) was a classic ice wall, but its ice has since melted. While the Kaindlgrat is the standard route, more advanced mountaineers might explore other challenging ascents. Always research current conditions and consult local guides for advanced options.
What are the parking options and public transport access for Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit?
While the intro mentions planning, specific parking details are not provided. However, a common approach involves starting from the Kaprun Kesselfall area. For public transport, some multi-day tours allow for a return via bus after descending from the summit, suggesting bus services operate in the general vicinity.
Is Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit suitable for a winter ascent?
The main season for ascending Großes Wiesbachhorn is summer. A winter ascent would present significantly higher technical difficulties, extreme weather conditions, and increased avalanche risk, making it suitable only for highly experienced mountaineers with extensive winter alpine skills and equipment.
Are there any family-friendly or dog-friendly options around Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit?
The summit itself is a challenging high-alpine mountaineering objective and is not considered family-friendly or suitable for dogs due to the technical terrain, exposure, and required equipment. However, the surrounding Hohe Tauern region offers numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties that may be suitable for families or dogs, particularly at lower elevations.
Where can I find accommodation near Großes Wiesbachhorn Summit?
The Heinrich-Schwaiger-Haus, located at 2,802 meters, offers accommodation and is a popular base for a two-day summit tour. For accommodation in the valley, the nearest significant settlement is Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße, about 10 kilometers to the north, and Kaprun is also a common starting point with various lodging options.
How does Großes Wiesbachhorn compare to Großglockner in terms of experience?
Großes Wiesbachhorn is often viewed as a rival to the Großglockner due to its grandeur and prominent position. While presenting similar challenges, it tends to be less crowded than the Großglockner, offering a more serene and perhaps more personal mountaineering experience with equally stunning panoramic views.
What kind of views can I expect from the summit?
From the summit, you can expect magnificent panoramic views that include the Kitzsteinhorn, the Großglockner, and the turquoise reservoirs of the Mooserboden far below. You'll also be surrounded by a sea of glaciers, such as the Teufelsmühlkees, Kaindlkees, Wielingerkees, and Sandbodenkees.