Trettachspitze

The Trettachspitze is a sharp rocky peak in the Allgäu Alps, standing at 2,595 metres. It rises above the hamlet of Einödsbach with two taller neighbours, the Mädelegabel and Hochfrottspitze. The mountain’s narrow horn of rock is unmistakable from the west and east. Unlike most high summits in the range, it lies entirely within Germany. Climbers usually start from the Waltenberger Haus on its northern side. The first ascent was made in 1855 by three brothers from the Stillach valley. Urban, Alois and Mathias Jochum made the climb when the youngest was only thirteen. Routes on the Trettachspitze are serious and graded up to UIAA III. The north-western arête offers a grade II scramble, while the Schwarzer Riß on the western face reaches grade V+. In 1991 Robert Jasper and Stefan Meineke opened new lines on the same face. From the summit ridge there are wide views across the Allgäu Alps. The source of the Trettach river lies in the steep gully below the peak. The rocky crest is a challenge for experienced mountaineers only. Few climbers attempt the longer, loose routes on the other faces. The mountain remains a striking landmark above the valleys of Oberstdorf.