Keilbachspitze

The Keilbachspitze is a jagged rocky summit standing at 3,094 metres in the Zillertal main ridge. It marks the border between Austrian Tirol and Italy’s South Tyrol. The mountain rises between the higher peaks of Grosser Löffler to the west and Wollbachspitze to the east, forming the southern rim of the Stillup valley. The first ascent was made in 1875 by Carl and Joseph Daimer, Theodor Harpprecht and their guide Stefan Kirchler. They climbed from the south through Frankbachtal, crossing the then larger Frankbach glacier. Today’s normal route follows their line, avoiding the Frankbachjoch and using a faint path marked by cairns. The final section involves easy scrambling on blocks to reach the summit. Visitors reach the top by ascending the Frankbachtal from St Georgen or Gais. After passing the Frankbachalm, the path crosses the valley floor and climbs through alpine pastures and dwarf pine. Near 2,000 metres a rock barrier forces a detour onto the western shoulder. From there the route turns east, crosses the edge of the Frankbach glacier and follows a rock rib to the summit ridge. On clear days the view extends across the Zillertal Alps and into South Tyrol.