Krautwasch

Krautwasch is a mountain 2,360 metres above sea level in Upper Styria. It stands just east of the Sölk Pass, a high route through the Niedere Tauern range. The peak is rocky and grassy, with steep slopes that drop away on all sides. Two other summits, Melleck and Schafdachspitze, lie close by along the same ridge. Walkers often combine these three tops in one outing. The simplest way up follows the south-west ridge from Haseneckscharte in about half an hour. A short scramble is needed at one point where the grade reaches UIAA grade II. The full traverse to Melleck is also popular and rated grade I with a couple of grade II sections. Those who want more time can take the north ridge to Schafdachspitze, which takes roughly an hour and is graded II. On the summit there is a small cross and views across the Sölk valleys and the Enns headwaters. The surrounding ridges stretch north towards the Dachstein and south into the Seckau Alps. Below, alpine meadows give way to forests of spruce and larch that colour the slopes in autumn. The air is clear and cool even in summer, making the climb a welcome escape from the valley heat.