Gänsekragen

The Gänsekragen is a rocky summit standing at 2,914 metres in the Stubai Alps of Tirol. It lies west of the Winnebachseehütte and south-east of the Breiten Grießkogel, marking the end of a ridge that stretches south-west from that higher peak. A lower neighbour, the Brunneck, reaches 2,902 metres and sits just west of the Gänsekragen. Between the two, the Wantlasscharte sits at 2,805 metres, forming the deepest notch in the connecting ridge. The mountain draws hikers and climbers alike. From the Winnebachseehütte a marked path leads to the top, first crossing the south-east flank with gentle slopes before turning steeper and winding upward in many zigzags. The final section approaches from the south-west and takes about two hours to complete, though the last part demands sure-footedness. A popular climbing route follows the East Ridge, graded UIAA III, which rises 650 metres over firm rock. At the summit visitors find a narrow, exposed crest with wide views across the Stubai Alps. Those who choose the East Ridge route pass a distinctive rock tower just before the last climb up, which can be scaled directly or bypassed on either side. The Winnebachseehütte provides a base for the ascent, sitting below the mountain’s south-east slopes.