Reichenspitze

The Reichenspitze is a mountain in the eastern Zillertal Alps on the border between Salzburg and Tyrol. It reaches 3,303 metres and is the highest peak of the Reichenspitze Group. The mountain offers wide views in all directions. To the northeast stands the 3,263-metre Gabler, to the south the Richterspitze at 3,052 metres, and to the northwest the 3,278-metre Wildgerlosspitze. All are connected by narrow ridges. The first recorded ascent was made in 1856 by a farmer from Prettau whose name is lost. He climbed the east face from the southeast, a route now graded UIAA III near the top. The first tourist climb followed on 16 July 1865 by Peter Haller from Gmünd with foresters Anton Peer and Josef Unterrainer of Schönachtal. Paths to the summit start from the Plauener Hut at 2,373 metres, the Richter Hut at 2,374 metres or the Zittauer Hut at 2,328 metres. The route from the Plauener Hut follows the southeast flank and joins the original climber’s line. From the huts the route is marked and graded as a mountaineering scramble. The final ridge gives a sharp crest with drops on both sides before the broad summit block.