Mitterhorn

The Mitterhorn stands on the border between Tirol and Salzburg, rising 2 506 metres above sea level. It is the second-highest peak in the Loferer Steinberge and the most striking summit of the western arm that branches off from the Wehrgrubenjoch. Seen from the south, the mountain presents a nearly perfect pyramid. The Nuaracher Höhenweg crosses the summit, making it one of the most frequently climbed peaks in the range. Several routes lead to the top. The easiest starts in the Loferer Hochtal and follows a well-marked path via the Schmidt-Zabierow-Hütte, taking about four hours. From the hut a via ferrata called the Nackter Hund, graded C/D, also reaches the summit. A longer option is the Nuaracher Höhenweg starting at Sankt Ulrich am Pillersee. Another approach begins at Lastal near Weißleiten and, though not technically difficult, demands sure-footedness and stamina, taking roughly five hours; the final section before the summit can be shortened by using the via ferrata. On clear days the view from the summit covers the Pillerseetal, the Kitzbüheler Alpen and the Hohen Tauern as far as the Chiemsee in Bavaria. The Schmidt-Zabierow-Hütte provides a base for climbers and walkers before the final ascent.