Alpkopf

The Alpkopf rises in the Lechtaler Alps, a limestone chain in Tirol, Austria. It stands at 1 802 m among the Lorea group, its steep southern, eastern and northern flanks dropping sharply into the valleys of Heiterwang, Berwang and Bichlbach. The Thaneller, a higher neighbour, shelters the Alpkopf from the west while the Hinterwanger Hochalm saddle links them on the east. The mountain was first called Alpelekopf in the 19th century and later Holländerkopf before settling on Almkopf by 1939. Skiers have climbed it since 1934, using the Heiterwanger Hochalm approach for winter tours. The Alpkopfbahn and Sonnalmbahn now carry visitors from Bichlbach and Berwang to a col near the Hochalm, opening the peak to walkers in summer. From the top station the summit is a thirty-five-minute walk up 200 m of grass and rock. The view stretches across the Lechtal, the Fernpass and the Allgäu foothills. On clear days the Zugspitze and the Wetterstein chain appear in the north-west while the Inntal stretches south-east. The steep flanks below carry alpine meadows in summer and avalanche slopes in winter.