Tuxeck

The Tuxeck is a 2 226-metre mountain in the Kaisergebirge range of the Austrian Alps. It stands south of the Treffauer and is sometimes called the Ellmauer Hochkaiser. The summit can be reached by a signed trail that starts at the Jägerwirt inn near Scheffau. The final ten metres are UIAA grade III climbing, eased by iron rings but still steep and exposed. The rest of the route is no harder than grade I, though loose rock is a hazard. Another old route from the Grutten Hut is no longer maintained and is unsafe. The Tuxeck’s first ascent was made on 14 August 1897 by J. Enzensperger and H. Hahn via a signed crossing between the Tuxeck and the Treffauer. Harder lines such as the southern arête at grade IV are rarely used and mainly of historic interest. Easier climbs like the southwest ridge at grade II or the south face at grade II attract little attention. The mountain offers few truly difficult routes. Visitors who take the Jägerwirt trail will find a clear path through alpine meadows and light woodland. The last metres require care on the iron-assisted section before the open summit block appears. Views stretch across the Kaisergebirge peaks and down to the valleys below. The crossing used by the first climbers can still be seen on the map though it is no longer recommended. The summit itself is small and rocky, with space for only a few people at once.