Kaiserschild

The Kaiserschild is a broad-topped mountain standing at the northern edge of the Eisenerz Alps in Styria. It forms a twin summit with the slightly higher Hochkogel, while the Kaiserwart nearby adds to the group. The whole range is separated from the main Alps by the Radmerhals pass and shares more landforms with the Gesäuse mountains to the west. Its name comes from Emperor Maximilian I, who declared the area a royal hunting reserve and forbade all hunting and even entry. Maximilian’s hunting ban was marked by the imperial coat of arms and an inscription, giving the mountain its title. He also wrote about the area in his books Theuerdank and Weißkunig. Walkers can reach the summits from the west or northeast, starting in Radmertal or the mining town of Eisenerz. Since 2006 a very difficult via ferrata with a rope bridge has offered another way up. Paths lead through the Radmer valley and the Ramsau valley to the foot of the peaks. The route from Eisenerz follows the valley of the Ramsau stream before climbing steep grassy slopes. On the summit ridge there are wide views over the Eisenerz Alps and across to the Gesäuse. The rocky crest between Kaiserschild and Hochkogel is narrow and airy, rewarding those who reach the top.