Ritterkopf

The Ritterkopf is a striking mountain in the Rauris area, standing about three kilometres north of the Tauern Alps’ main ridge. It divides the Krumltal and Hüttwinkltal valleys and shows traces of past mining activity. Mineral deposits such as rock crystal, pyrite and actinolite can be seen on its slopes. In the Ritterkar cirque, east of the summit, gold was worked in the 16th century. Climbing the Ritterkopf demands a reliable sense of direction, clear weather and sure-footedness in rough terrain. There are no marked paths or mountain huts, so a full day is needed for the round trip of roughly 1,800 metres of ascent and descent. The usual route starts at the Alpengasthof Bodenhaus inn, passes the Ritterkaralm and follows the eastern arête to the top. The north ridge is graded UIAA I in the Alpine Club Guide, while the southern route via Gamskar cirque and Goldlacklscharte is also UIAA I but includes friable rock sections and is advised only for experienced alpinists. Visitors find a high alpine landscape with steep rock faces and narrow ridges. The summit offers wide views across the surrounding valleys and peaks. Mineral veins glint in the sunlight on the mountainsides, and old mining spoil heaps recall the gold rush of the 1500s. The silence and scale of the cirques make the climb a memorable experience for those prepared for the challenge.