Hochkalter traverse

From Lake Hintersee, follow the well-known ascent past Schärtenalm to Blaueishütte. From here, continue uphill to the remains of the old hut. Just beyond them, keep right and climb through a scree gully below the distinctive notch known as “Schöner Fleck.” Approach it from the right, climbing over solid slabs interspersed with mountain pines (UIAA grade I–II). Keep left, then climb along the right side of the ridge through blocky terrain to a 15-meter-high slabby rock face. Good handholds help you negotiate this crux section (UIAA grade II) and reach easier terrain on the summit slopes of Rotpalfen. Bypass Rotpalfen along a manageable ridge, crossing Kleinkalter before descending into a notch. From here, the terrain steepens once again, with short, exposed climbing sections leading to the summit of Hochkalter.

From the summit, descend through steep rocky terrain into Ofental and follow the valley down to the tree line. From here, a broad trail leads through the forest back down to Lake Hintersee.