Gamshalt

The Gamshalt is a 2,291-metre peak in the Wilden Kaiser range of the Northern Limestone Alps in Tirol. It stands between the Ellmauer Halt to the north and the Kleine Halt to the south, forming the central summit of the Haltstock. Steep rock faces drop away on all sides except the south, where a narrow ridge leads to the Ellmauer Halt. The west face above the Obere Scharlinger Boden holds a 700-metre wall popular with climbers, while the east face rises about 800 metres above the Hohen Winkel. The summit lies within the municipality of Kufstein, with the Anton-Karg-Haus and Hans-Berger-Haus in the Kaisertal serving as the main bases for ascents. The Kaiserschützensteig is the usual route to the top. This long, exposed via ferrata has sections graded B/C and I+, demanding strength and steady nerve. It crosses the Kleine Halt and Ellmauer Halt before reaching the Gamshalt, with optional spur routes to each summit. Walkers need a full day from the valley, covering over 1,200 metres of ascent. Helmets, harnesses and via ferrata sets are essential, as many passages have only sparse iron rungs for protection. The path is well marked but rarely crowded, rewarding climbers with sweeping views across the Kaiser range. From the Obere Scharlinger Boden the route climbs a grassy gully without fixed ropes, then traverses ledges and slabs toward the Grüne Mulde basin. A short detour leads to the Kleine Halt, while the main line crosses the Hochkar to a prominent rock below the ridge. From there a scrambling section without belays gains the Gamshalt’s summit ridge and the small cairn at the top. Those coming from the Ellmauer Halt follow the same via ferrata northwards, dropping slightly before ascending the west ridge to the Gamshalt in about three-quarters of an hour. The descent is harder than the ascent and should be planned carefully.