Hohes Rad

The Hohe Rad is a 2,934-metre peak in the Silvretta range on the border between Vorarlberg and Tirol. It stands beside the Silvrettastausee at the Bielerhöhe, a pass 2,036 metres above sea level. The mountain’s slopes drop steeply to the lake on one side and rise more gently on the other. Climbers reach the summit from the Bielerhöhe by two main routes. One follows the Ochsental valley, the other the Biel valley; both meet at the Radsattel at 2,652 metres. From there the final slope is narrow and exposed, needing firm footing. A third, shorter route leaves the Biel valley road below the Bielerdamm, climbs the north ridge steeply to the Radschulter at 2,697 metres, then joins the route from the Radsattel for the last forty minutes to the top. Between the summit and the Biel valley lies the Radsee, a small mountain lake set in a high hollow about 2,460 metres above sea level. The contrast of dark water against pale scree and the wide sky above makes the final approach unforgettable.