Eisenerzer Reichenstein

The Eisenerzer Reichenstein is a mountain in the Eisenerz Alps of Styria, standing south of the Steirischer Erzberg near the town of Eisenerz. Its highest point, the North-East summit, reaches 2165 metres. A short distance away on a ridge sits the Reichensteinhütte at 2136 metres, run by the Leoben section of the Austrian Alpine Club. A broad, gently sloping plateau stretches southwest from the hut for about 500 metres before rising again to another top at 2143 metres. Smaller neighbouring peaks include the Rössel to the north and the Grüblzinken and Vordernberger Zinken on the eastern flanks, while the Krumpensee, a small mountain lake, lies in a hollow to the south. The mountain is made largely of Devonian limestone that belongs to the Grauwackenzone, a band of ancient rocks found across the Alps. Walkers can choose between routes such as the two-and-a-half-hour climb from Präbichl via the Rösselhals or the longer Grete-Klinger-Steig that starts at Hirnalm near Trofaiach. The Grete-Klinger-Steig honours a local climber and club leader who died in 1972, passing over the Vordernberger Mauer and the Vordernberger Zinken before joining the main ridge. Both approaches form part of the long-distance Nord-Süd-Weitwanderweg, and the Reichensteinhütte also serves as the start of a forty-kilometre ridge walk to the Mödlinger Hütte. Visitors who reach the summit are rewarded with wide views across the Eisenerz Alps and the Styrian highlands. The Reichensteinhütte provides food and shelter and marks the junction of several high trails. In winter the area becomes a focus for ski touring, though only under safe snow conditions. One popular line descends from the Reichensteinhals to the Krumpensee, while experts tackle the steep and technical descent known as the Rote Rinne. The contrast between the rugged limestone peaks and the quiet alpine lake below offers a memorable experience for those who make the journey.