The Weißhorn in the South Tyrolean lowlands
Two mountains in the South Tyrolean Unterland are among the most famous mountains in the South Tyrolean district community of Überetsch-Unterland: the Schwarzhorn and the Weißhorn. Both mountains have the shape of a pyramid and are among the southernmost peaks of the Dolomites. Due to their identical appearance, the Schwarzhorn and the Weißhorn are often referred to as twin mountains. A striking difference, however, is the color of the rock, which makes it easy to tell the two peaks apart and is ultimately responsible for their name.
The Weißhorn is the smaller mountain with a height of 2,316 meters above sea level and is called “Corno Bianco” in Italian. The white Sarldolomite is responsible for the white appearance of the Weißhorn.
The Weißhorn - like the Schwarzhorn - is not only clearly visible from the South Tyrolean lowlands (also often referred to as the Bolzano lowlands). In the Rosengarten-Latemar holiday area, these two peaks have a significant influence on the mountain scenery. For example, if you walk the planetary hiking trail near Gummer, you can look at the Schwarzhorn and Weißhorn from various points. The Weißhorn can also be described as the local mountain of the famous Maria Weißenstein monastery, as you can see the Weißhorn directly from the monastery grounds.
Bolzano, the South Tyrolean state capital, is located to the south, the Latemar Mountains lie to the east of the Weißhorn. There is a small ski area between the Schwarzhorn and Weißhorn, which has a total of seven kilometers of slopes. This ski area is the Jochgrimm ski area. Due to its location at 2,000 meters above sea level, it is known and popular as a ski resort with guaranteed snow well into spring.
The hike to the Weißhorn
Anyone who hikes the European long-distance hiking trail E5 will come across the peaks of the Schwarzhorn and Weißhorn.
If mountaineers decide between the Schwarzhorn and the Weißhorn, the summit of the Weißhorn is usually chosen. This is due to the fact that the Bletterbachschlucht is located at the foot of the Weißhorn. This is a gorge where the formation of the Dolomites can be clearly seen and which is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of South Tyrol.
To get to the summit of the Weißhorn, the route from the large parking lot at Jochgrimm is usually taken. This parking lot is located in the gap between the Schwarzhorn and Weißhorn at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. This high altitude allows mountaineers to reach the summit relatively quickly. It only takes about half an hour from the parking lot at Jochgrimm to the summit.
A more demanding and somewhat strenuous route leads from Oberradein to the summit of the Weißhorn. This tour leads over the Zirmersteig to the Weißhorn. The Zirmersteig, in turn, leads along the Bletterbach Gorge and is popular with mountaineers for this reason. Before you arrive at the summit cross, you can take a turnoff to the left and hike around the summit. There is an excellent view, including a wonderful view of the rose garden, which was shrouded in legend by King Laurin, and the Latemar Mountains.