Yesterday a friend and I got out for a quick climb before a forecasted storm: the Kopftörlgrat. A grade III+ scramble/climb along a 1 kilometer ridge with spectacular scenery and good rock:


The climb goes from right to left on the ridgeline to the summit of the Ellmauer Halt

It's a good 2 hour approach, gaining about 1000 meters. You could stop for a coffee along the way at the Grüttenhütte. From the little saddle named the Kopftörl, you begin the climb, first with a (underwhelming) traversing line on the south side of the crest to then turn up a gully right after the "First Tower." Then you climb mostly on the crest, with the occasional bypass of a tower.


I'm enjoying the excellent rock on a grade III chimney pitch





An excellent face pitch (III+)

Travelling mostly unroped, we completed the ridge in 2 hours. Using a rope the whole way, expect a time closer to 4 or 5 hours. The way down is easy, a nice hike with the novelty of a "via ferrata."


Scenic hike on the way down


Beer here!

Don't forget to stop for a drink at the hut, you've earned it!
Enjoy,
--Michael

Thanks for the photos and TR on your blog. Looks like a great route.

Thanks for sharing superb pictures and TR. much appreciated