Gleirsch-Halltal Chain

The Gleirsch-Halltal Chain is a rugged mountain range in the Karwendel, part of the Northern Limestone Alps in Tirol. It runs south of the Hinterautal-Vomper Chain, the longest range in the Karwendel, and connects to the Nordkette near the Stempeljoch saddle. The chain takes its name from the Gleirschtal and Halltal valleys on its western and eastern sides. Its highest point is the Großer Bettelwurf, which rises 2,200 metres above the Inn valley floor. The Lafatscher Joch is the only pass linking Hinterau valley to Halltal, while the Hoher Gleirsch is the western cornerstone easily climbed from Scharnitz. The central peaks, such as the Jägerkarspitzen and Praxmarerkarspitzen, demand careful route-finding and some climbing. The chain’s steep northern faces drop several hundred metres in places, typical of the Karwendel’s great ranges. Nearly all its notable summits consist of Wetterstein limestone formed in Middle Triassic lagoons and coral reefs. Only the far eastern Walder Joch is built of Jurassic limestone and main dolomite. From west to east, the chain includes the Hoher Gleirsch, Großer Katzenkopf, Mittlere Jägerkarspitze, Kaskarspitze and Großer Lafatscher, among others. The Großer Bettelwurf and its neighbours form a dramatic skyline visible from the Inn valley. Walkers on the Hallerangerhaus or Pfeishütte trails pass high alpine meadows and steep rock walls. The chain’s central section offers some of the Karwendel’s most challenging routes, requiring sure-footedness and route-finding skills. Views stretch across the Inn valley to the Nordkette and the Wetterstein range. The limestone crags catch the evening light, while the high valleys still hold patches of snow into early summer. From Scharnitz, the route up the Hoher Gleirsch gives a taste of the chain’s wild character without committing to long climbs.