The three summits of this traverse, Wildangerspitze, Lattenspitze, Pfeiser Spitze, are standing high over Inntal Valley. They belong to the Inntal Chain of the Karwendel, forming the east end of this chain.

The three summits show a steep and ragged rockface to the north (Halltal) and a somewhat gentler slope of rocks and meadows to the south (Inntal). To the east the Inntal chain ends with the summits of Thaurer and Haller Zunterkopf, to the west the Inntal Chain continues with bold Rumer Spitze.

The ridge, connecting the three summits, is defined by Törl, a col at the east end of the ridge and by Thaurer Joch, the col at the west end of it. To the north, Stempeljoch connects the Inntal Chain to the Gleiersch - Halltal Chain with its south - north running subridge of Hintere Bachofenspitze, Roßkopf, Stempeljochspitzen and Stempeljoch.

In comparision to the major summits of the Halltal region, Großer Bettelwurf (2725 m), Großer Lafatscher (2694 m), Roßkopf (2668 m), the summits of

- Pfeiser Spitze (2345 m)
- Lattelspitze (2340 m)
- Wildanger Spitze (2153 m)

are somewhat "minor" to those main summits. The traverse is a very enjoyable hike, though, and it is one of my favorite hikes in the Halltal surroundings.

The traverse can be done as a days hike; for this you should start at Halltal, because the trailhead is much higher than those at the Inntal villages. But the traverse is an excellent overture to a weekend hike in the Halltal or Pfeiser region.

Getting There

Habicht, Wilder Freiger and Zuckerhütl (Stubai range) - Wildangerspitze ascent (09-09-2006)

To get to the different trailheads take a look at my Sonntagkarspitze or Hintere Bachofenspitze SP site.

Starting points of the traverse is

- Törl (1773 m)
- Stempeljoch (2215 m)

You reach Törl best from Halltal. A longer alternative is to start at Thaur or Rum in the Inntal valley.

Halltal

To reach Törl from Halltal parking area, there are two possibilities:

Short access

From the parking area take the valley road (closed to traffic) up to Herrenhäuser, the old salt mine of Halltal. Take the steep zigzag trail number 218 up to Törl; this should be done in about 1,5 hours.

Longer access

At the parking area take the trail on the north slope of the valley to the nearby restaurant of Sankt Magdalena. At Sankt Madgalena a steep trail leads up the north slopes to the very eastern end of the Inntal Chain, called Hochmahd. The trail follows the ridge to the west, traversing the shallow summits of Haller Zunterkopf (1966 m) and Thaurer Zunterkopf (1990 m), amidst thickets of dwarf pines (Latschen, Bergkiefer). After passing Thaurer Zunterkopf, the trail descends to Törl.

Thaur and Rum

From both villages there are marked and signposted trails up the south slopes of Inntal valley through the dense woods. Both trails meet at Thaurer Alm (1464 m), a private mountain hut high above the valley floor with food, beverages and accomodations.
From Thaurer Alm follow the trail number 218, crossing some nice meadows up to Törl.

Stempeljoch

You reach Stempeljoch best from Halltal or from Pfeishütte. Stempeljochhütte can be reached from Halleranger Haus and Bettelwurfhütte
via Wilde Bande Steig, a beautiful panoramic trail above Halltal.

See the "Summit Routes Overview" section of my Stempeljochspitzen SP site for more information.

Route Description

Großer and Kleiner Bettelwurf as seen from Wildangerspitze (09-09-2006)

The route decription starts at Törljoch, at the east end of the ridge. You may start the traverse at Stempeljoch, too, but I love it better from east to west.

At Törl there are signposts to show you the right direction. A narrow, steep trail leads up the south slopes of Wildanger Spitze near the ridge crest through dense thickets of dwarf pines up to the summit meadows. You pass these meadoes below the summit. If you want to climb this peak, leave the trail west of Wildanger Spitze and climb off trail through meadows to the ridge crest. Follow the ridge crest (some rocks, mostly meadows) up to the easy summit with awesome views into Halltal and to the Halltal Chain: Großer and Kleiner Lafatscher, Speckkarspitze, Großer and Kleiner Bettelwurf.

The trail continues on the south side of the ridge, becoming more rocky. It passes below "Drei Dutten", some ragged spires, and continues to ascend Lattenspitze, a nice peak in the ridge.

Latten-, Pfeiser and Stempeljochspitzen as seen from Wildangerspitze (09-09-2006)

You have to do some easy rock scrambling before arriving at the summit cross. The views to the south and the west are getting better and better.

After Lattenspitze the cragged trail continues on the south side, now with interesting views of bold Rumerspitze. Before reaching the many spires of Pfeiser Spitzen the trail has to traverse a rock chute. There are some fixed ropes and metal steps to make the ascent more secure. It is a UIAA grade I climb, a short one though, until you reach the highest point of Pfeiser Spitzen, an exposed spire with a summit cross and barely room for one to stand.

The still roped and secured trail passes on the north side of the Pfeiser Spitzen peak and continues down the west ridge until you reach a notch.

From this notch you might continue the western ridge to Thaurer Joch Spitze above Thaurer Joch (off trail, parts are UIAA grade I).

To continue to Stempeljoch follow the rock and scree chute from the notch down to the north until you reach the northern scree fields above Stempeljoch. Traverse those scree fields to the north and you reach Stempeljoch quite easily.

Pfeiser and Rumerspitze as seen from Lattenspitze (09-09-2006)

Alternatives starting from Stempeljoch

From Stempeljoch you can easily summit both Stempeljochspitzen as a nice "encore".

Go on to Pfeishütte for an overnight stay.

Descend via Trail number 221 to Issjöchl, Herrenhäuser and Halltal parking area or use Wilde Bande Steig, Issanger (trails number 222 and 223) to get there.

Continue on Wilde Bande Steig to Lafatscher Joch and to Halleranger Haus or to Bettelwurfhütte for more Karwendel adventures.

Proceed to Thaurer Joch and descend to Thaurer Alm and to Thaur and Rum (very strenuous day hike, your knees will memorise this for days :-)

Essential Gear

Rock scramble at Pfeiserspitzen traverse (09-09-2006)

Normal hiking gear is sufficient.

For the short Via Ferrata at the Pfeiserspitze summit you need some basic climbing experience.

External Links

Rumer Spitze as seen from Lattenspitze (09-09-2006)

In the surrounding valleys there are many accomodations, hotels, bed & breakfasts, camping. The following are only suggestions.

Villages and Towns

Scharnitz
Innsbruck
Rum
Thaur
Hall

Mountain Huts

Pfeishütte
Halleranger Haus Bettelwurfhütte
Thaurer Alm

Map

Alpenvereinskarte, 1 : 25.000
Karwendelgebirge
- Nr. 5/1, Westliches Blatt
- Nr. 5/2, Mittleres Blatt
- Nr. 5/3, Östliches Blatt

Guide

Walter Klier
Alpenvereinsführer, Karwendel Alpin
Bergverlag Rudolf Rother

Weather Conditions

ORF Weather
Webcam Hafelekar cableway
Webcam to the south slopes of Karwendel

Images