Fuscherkarkopf, being in the central group of Hohe Tauern, is not the most important mountain. But it offers various mountaineering possibilities and an excellent view over Pasterze glacier on Grossglockner (here is an example). In summer it is quite often ascended because of Grossglockner panorama. Its north face was once used for an ice tour for beginners, but in last years not much ice is left there. In spring, when conditions are good, adventurous skiers do the north slope.

The first ascent was done by Georg Maier of Fusch , before 1865.

The mountain is named after the Fuschertal (valley), lying north-east below the summit. It is the object of many tourists, travelling by the famous Grossglockner panoramic road over Hochtor, 2575m, taking pictures of high glacial mountains. Though from north-east it makes a famous pair with its neighbour Sinewelleck, 3261m, showing its up to 50 degrees steep north face. From all other sides Fuscherkarkopf is not so picturesque. It is actually the highest point of the part of main Hohe Tauern ridge, going from Pasterze glacier to Hochtor in a W-E direction. The mountain sends a distinctive ridge towards NW, which is in summer used for ascent, and from its summit a side ridge goes towards south, finishing on the lowest part of Pasterze.

And finally, as already two of our members suggested to mention: 'German speaking alpinists often call the mountain FuscherKarKopf with the short cut "FKK", what is normally used in German for "Freikoerperkultur" = nudism. This joke has earned the mountain additional popularity... '

The picture from north, from the distant Grosses Wiesbachhorn is here.

Getting There

The vast majority of visitors come to Fuscherkarkopf from south. From the road over Hochtor (Zell am See - Heiligenblut) Grossglockner panorama road goes also up to Pasterze glacier. It finishes on a big parking place on the altitude of cca 2370m.

Maps: Alpenvereinskarte 1:25000, Nr. 40 Grossglocknergruppe.

Books:
Ernst Hoehne: Leichte Gipfel fuer Geniesser. J. Berg, Muenchen, 1982.
Sepp Schnuerer: Hohe Tauern. BLV, Muenchen, 1990.

Routes Overview

Fuscherkarkopf and some of its routes

1. In summer the usual ascent goes over the NW ridge (up to II. degree UIAA). From the parking place we go by the broad Gamsgrubenweg (promenade path in summer) towards north-west. Passing the Hofmanns Huette we turn a bit more nortwards and ascend the South Bockkarkees (glacier) in the direction of Oberwalder Huette. Instead of turning left to the hut, we go right (eastwards) on the Fuscherkarscharte, 2835m. Here the NW ridge begins - it leads us over the fore summit directly to the main summit. Exposed, easy climb on the ridge. 4 hours.

2. From above the Hofmanns Huette there's also the direct option, which once went through Gamsgrube. This is a shallow valley, rich with flowers, and thus protected by law. Now the route goes along the ridge, reaching a distinctive notch (2848m) in the Elschbergl shoulder. Here start steep rocks of the south-west ridge, which goes up to the fore summit where we meet the #1 route, turn right and reach the main summit. Scramble, only for experienced, on the ridge also exposed. 3.5 hours.
3. In spring, when tour skiing, we continue from the Fuscherkarscharte (saddle) further towards east, then ascending constantly over the north face until it gets steep (50 degrees). Here we turn up directly and reach the summit. Early in the morning take care on the Gamsgrubenweg. In winter and spring it is far from being the promenade path. It stays long in shadow, often it is icy and requires crampons and ice axe.

Red Tape

The mountain lies in Grossglockner Natural Parc.

The road to Pasterze glacier has to be paid.

Please consider also this very important contribution of Mathias Zehring: The high valley "Gamsgrube" south of the Fuscherkarkopf is by law not allowed to enter without permission of the government of Carinthia. Therefore the routes through the Gamsgrube are illegal. The reason are the very seldom - perhaps unique - plants there in a biotope built of sand caused by rotten rocks (Kalkglimmerschiefer), that can be damaged by footprints.

When To Climb

The best summer and autumn months would be July to October. The best months for skiing would be April to May.

Camping

For the Fuscherkarkopf you can use many mountain huts along the Grossglockner panoramic road and Pasterze glacier. Also tourist capabilities of Heiligenblut are useful. Thanks to Mathias Zehring all these are excellently described on the excellent Grossglockner page and I will not repeat them here. Most useful huts are:
Franz Josefs Haus, Hofmanns Huette and Oberwalder Huette.

Mountain Conditions

Because Grossglockner is so close, see all available data (webcams, weather), which are mentioned there (link). Thanks again to Mathias Zehring!

Images



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