Noppenspitze

The Noppenspitze is a rocky summit in the central part of the Hornbach chain of the Allgäu Alps. Its jagged arête separates two cirques, the Sattelkar and the Noppenkar, while the Luxnach Saddle marks where the Häselgehrberg ridge branches off. To the north, a steep rock face drops three hundred metres into the wooded Hornbach valley. The mountain’s wild precipices and trackless terrain make it a challenging destination. The first recorded ascent took place on 16 August 1890 by Anton Spiehler and his guide Johann Schiffer. The Noppenspitze is rarely climbed, with only five to fifteen ascents recorded each year. Reaching the summit demands a long approach and a climb through fifteen hundred metres of height. No tracks or paths lead to the top, so climbers need sure-footedness, a head for heights, and a good sense of direction. The normal route up the southwest flank involves technical climbing graded UIAA II. The mountain’s isolation and rugged nature keep visitor numbers low. A visitor finds a summit of bare rock with sweeping views across the Allgäu Alps. The route follows the southwest flank, where scrambling over slabs and short climbs are needed. The surrounding cirques and ridges show the raw beauty of high Alpine terrain. The Luxnach Saddle offers a quieter spot before the final push. Few signs of human presence remain, leaving the mountain’s wild character intact.