Scheffauer

The Scheffauer is a 2,111-metre peak in the Kaiser range of the Northern Limestone Alps. It stands as the western buttress of the Wilder Kaiser and is one of the most climbed summits in the range. To the north and south its walls drop six hundred metres into the valleys below. Lake Hinterstein lies at its southern foot, while the rarely visited Zettenkaiser joins it to the west and the Hackenköpfe ridge to the east.

The mountain draws climbers for two main routes, both marked and equipped with safety cables. The southern route begins at Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser and passes the Bärnstatt Inn, the Steiner-Hochalm meadow, then ascends the sunny southern flank to the summit cross in about three hours. The northern route starts at the privately run Kaindl Hut and follows the Widauersteig, a protected climbing path graded UIAA I, through shaded rocky terrain to the top in roughly two and a half hours.

On the summit stands a metal cross marking the highest point. The northern flank offers a quieter approach through steep rock, while the southern route rewards walkers with open meadows and wide views. The Hackenköpfe ridge provides a challenging continuation for those who want to extend their day. Both paths reveal the dramatic faces that plunge into the valleys on either side of the mountain.