Kreuzmauer

Kreuzmauer is a mountain rising to 2 091 metres in the Ennstal Alps, part of the Haller Mauern chain on the border between Upper Austria and Styria. It stands among the peaks of the Pyhrgas group, where a long ridge carries the Scheiblingstein, the Kreuzmauer, the Hochturm and the Kesselkargrat in sequence. The Hexenturm and Natterriegel lie further west before the ridge falls to the Grabnertörl col at 1 723 metres. Climbers first reached the summits here in the late 19th century, led by Austrian and German pioneers with local guides. Heinrich Hess made one of the earliest recorded ascents on 16 August 1885 by the south-east ridge. The mountain is now known for its demanding climbing routes and requires sure-footedness, experience and a head for heights, especially on the eastern crest. Walkers usually set off from the Langstein at 1 998 metres or tackle the steep southern cirque. From the summit there are wide views across the Gesäuse National Park. Nearby stands the Kochalme Laglalm hut, a place to rest before the final climb or after the descent.