Ackerlspitze

The Ackerlspitze is a 2,329-metre peak in the Kaisergebirge range in eastern Tyrol. It stands second highest in the group, just behind the Maukspitze to its east. Steep rock faces drop south into the Leukental valley, while the north-west face falls away into the Griesner Cirque. A narrow arête runs southwest to the Regalmspitze and the Kleines Törl. On clear days the summit offers wide views over the neighbouring ranges and as far as the Chiemsee lake in Bavaria. The mountain was first climbed in 1826 by Karl Thurwieser and J. Carl with local guide Stephan Unterrainer. The classic route starts from the Ackerl Hut at 1,460 metres above Going. From there a narrow and exposed path leads up to the Niedersessel Cirque, where an old icefield may linger until mid-July. The final climb includes a 25-metre rock step equipped with iron rungs before the summit is reached in about three hours. A gentler alternative begins at the Griesner Alm in the Kaiserbach valley. Walkers follow a winding path to the Fritz Pflaum Hut at 1,865 metres. From the hut the northern flank provides a shaded, less exposed ascent of about two hours. Many who reach the top continue along the Hochsattel Ridge to the Maukspitze before descending back to the Ackerl Hut.