Pfaffenschneidkopf

The Pfaffenschneidkopf rises as the highest point on the main ridge of the Zillertaler Alps, standing 2918 m above sea level. It marks the border between Salzburg in Austria and South Tyrol in Italy, while also dividing the Hohe Tauern National Park from the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park. The summit sits between the Krimmler Tauern to the west and the Birnlücke to the east, where it towers over nearby peaks. The first recorded ascent was made on 10 July 1895 by Fritz Koegel, editor of the Nietzsche Archive, and mountain guide Franz Hofer, who approached from the north. Today climbers often combine the Pfaffenschneidkopf with the nearby Klockerkarkopf, which is reached by a marked hiking trail. The route follows the Lausitzer Weg past the Teufelsstiege before climbing the striking Pfaffenschneide ridge. From the northern slopes the mountain drops steeply into the Windbachtal, a side valley of the Krimmler Achental. To the south the Pfaffenschneide ridge falls towards the Ahrntal, separated from the main summit by the Pfaffenscharte at about 2800 m. The contrast between the wild north faces and the gentler southern flanks gives the mountain its dramatic character.