Pfannspitze

The Pfannspitze is a mountain peak in the Villgratner range in East Tirol, standing between the communities of St. Jakob in Defereggen and Innervillgraten. It reaches 2676 metres and sits east of the main ridge, with the Hellböden and Traunleitenspitze nearby. The Villgrater Törl saddle lies between the Pfannspitze and the Traunleitenspitze at 2502 metres. A feature called the Pfanne lies south-west of the summit, giving the mountain part of its name. Climbers reach the top by several routes, the easiest being the marked path from Arntal and Unterstalleralm to Villgrater Törl. From there the final climb is graded I and follows the north-east ridge. Another route starts at Rinderschinken village, crosses the Stallebach valley and reaches Hintere Stalle-Alm before joining the same ridge. The south-west ridge from the Hellböden offers a harder climb graded II. The surroundings include the Stallebach’s source on the northern flanks and steep slopes falling into Arntal to the south-west. The Pfanne area between ridges shows a broad, shallow hollow that gives the peak its name. Views stretch across the Villgratner range and towards the Deferegger Alps.