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4031 Hits
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79.04% Score
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10 Votes
Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon:
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47.31887°N / 10.42667°E |
Activities:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Summer, Fall |
Elevation:
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7881 ft / 2402 m |
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Overview
View from the summit to Südlicher Söllerkopf (16-08-2009)This peak is one of the minor summits of Hornbach range within Allgäu mountains, which can be “pocketed” easily while being up to some other peaks of this region.
Branching off from the main Hornbach ridge to the south, there are several subridges standing high above Lechtal valley and bearing some interesting “minor” summits, a grazing ground for peak baggers. Nördlicher Söllerkopf, a rocky peak, standing north of Südlicher Söllerkopf and Balschtesattel, a col in the southern subrange Kreuzkarspitze - Söllerköpfe, is marking the highest point of this subridge. The rugged and wild subridge divides the huge southern cirques of Balschtekar (to the west) and Noppenkar (to the east).
Nördlicher Söllerkopf is built up of Hauptdolomit and Plattenkalk, the first a splintered and rugged dolomite stone, the latter a limestone which is good to climb.
Nördlicher Söllerkopf can be reached from Enzensperger Weg, the grant trail between Hermann-von-Barth Hütte and Kaufbeurer Haus via Balschtekar. This part is off-trail.
I recommend a combined trip to Kreuzkarspitze and Nördlicher Söllerkopf, a great and lonely hike in an impressive surrounding.
Getting There
The main trailhead for Nördlicher Söllerkopf is Elbigenalp in the Lechtal valley.You reach Lechtal valley
Follow Lechtal valley road number 198 from Reutte or from Lech / Warth until you reach Elbigenalp.
The trailhead is at the western end of Elbigenalp where the Geierwally parking (oh yes !!!) area is signposted. Leave your car here (2009: free parking).
Red Tape
No red tape as far as I know.  |
Main Routes Overview
Nördlicher Söllerkopf as seen from Kreuzkarspitze ascent (16-08-2009)To summit Nördlicher Söllerkopf you have to reach the Enzensperger Weg / trail number 432 / 435 in the eastern part of Balschtekar.
From Elbigenalp follow the mountain road to Kasermandl Inn and to the resupply cableway of Herrman-von-Barth Hütte. At the end of this road you have three possibilities:
Climb the rock and meadow slopes up to a notch left of Nördlicher Söllerkopf and right of Kreuzkarspitze in the north – south running connecting ridge. This notch is right of a level part of this ridge. At the notch turn right and overcome some first steep rocks to a level part of the north ridge. From this part of the ridge traverse right of it into a notch with a cairn. Traverse into the following first chute which leads back to the north ridge and follow it until you can leave it to the right up to a second notch right of the main ridge (UIAA grade I – I+).
From the second notch traverse a shallow second chute below the northern subsummit to a third notch right of the subsummit. From this third notch descend some steps into a third chute which again leads back to the north ridge between the subsummit and the main summit. Climb up this chute to the notch (one part UIAA grade II).
I think you can climb the subsummit from the second shallow chute, too (UIAA grade II), the rock looks good. From the subsummit there is an easy and short descent to the notch.
At the notch turn right and climb the summit block (UIAA grade I – II) up to the summit.
 Summit ascent: View from the third notch into the third chute (UIAA grade I - II) with the ascent route (16-08-2009) |  Summit ascent: View from third to second notch, traverse below northern subsummit (16-08-2009) |  Summit ascent: View from second notch into first chute and to first notch (16-08-2009) |
The description might sound complicated to you but it is easier to find than you might think. It is a nice climb in sufficiently firm rock and an enjoyable “detour” during a descent from Kreuzkarspitze.
Accomodations
Summit ascent: summit block (16-08-2009)In Lechtal valley there are all sorts of accomodations: Hotels, Inns, private Bed & Breakfast and Camping areas.
For general infomations please refer to: Lechtal tourist page
More detailed informations about accommodations in the nearest villages can be found on the homepages of
Nearby mountain huts (alpine club or private huts) are:
Gear & Mountain Conditions
Summit ascent: view from second to third notch and to the subsummit (16-08-2009)Nördlicher Söllerkopf is a summer and autumn hike. As far as I know there are no winter and spring ski hike activities though Balschtekar can be an interesting ski hike aim.
It is a strenuous and in some parts off-trail day hike from the valley trailheads or a moderate hike from Hermann-von-Barth Hütte.
You need normal hiking gear with good shoes. In addition you should be used to off-trail hikes, have a good sense for orientation and you should be used to in some parts very exposed rock climbing up to UIAA grade I / II. A short rope and some gear for belaying can be useful to secure less experienced people at the summit block.
Check the current weather here.