Hochschwab

The Hochschwab is a mountain in Upper Styria, standing 2,277 metres high. It is the highest summit in its range and forms a broad, grassy dome above the valleys. The Schiestlhaus, a mountain refuge at 2,153 metres, sits on the north-east approach. Walkers reach it from Seewiesen through the Seetal valley and past the Voisthaler Hut. The south face drops nearly two kilometres wide and up to 300 metres sheer to the Trawies Saddle below. The mountain is known for its dramatic south face, which offers climbing routes for all grades. In November 1988 a mountaineering party of seven was trapped in storms at 2,000 metres. After two days and nights, five were found dead and two survived with serious injuries. The rescue involved 150 Alpine gendarmes, mountain rescuers and five helicopters. Visitors to the Hochschwab find a high plateau stretching west from the Schiestlhaus. The flat dome is easy to traverse on foot in about half an hour. Below, the Trawiestal and Obere Dullwitz valleys meet at the Trawies Saddle. The south face rises above them, a sheer wall of rock and ice. The route from Seewiesen passes alpine huts and high pastures before reaching the refuge.