Messnerin

The Meßnerin is a mountain in the Hochschwab range of the Austrian Alps, standing at 1,835 metres above sea level. It forms the northern end of the Laming valley above Tragöß, paired with the lower Pribitz to the west. The mountain’s steep cliffs drop sharply into the Josertal valley on one side and the Klamm gorge on another, where a striking rock window called the Meßnerinloch punctuates the southwest flank. The Meßnerinloch is a natural arch 10 by 15 metres wide at 1,455 metres, visible from Tragöß village below. In 2026 a wingsuit pilot flew through it to set a Guinness World Record, but the arch has long drawn climbers for its dramatic setting. The summit ridge stretches eastward for about two and a half kilometres, ending near the Pillsteiner Höhe. Along this ridge stands the Schaftrempel, a slender rock tower rising to 1,709 metres, once named for a cattle shelter rather than the peak itself. A marked hiking trail climbs from Tragöß up the southwest slope to the summit. From the east, the route via Haringgraben and Pillsteiner Alm is longer but easier, ending in steep ground without a path. The northern approach follows an unmarked hunting trail over the Sperberkogel before joining the main ridge. The western face offers serious climbing routes, while the Schaftrempel provides separate technical climbs of its own.