Hochalmspitze, Alpine summit in Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria.
Hochalmspitze is a granite peak in Hohe Tauern National Park that rises to 3,360 meters and features several glaciers on its flanks. The mountain is surrounded by alpine lakes at lower elevations that form from glacial melt.
Paul Grohmann completed the first documented ascent in 1859, though evidence suggests Josef Moritz may have attempted the peak in 1855. The mountain later gained recognition as a major summit in the region's climbing history.
The mountain is called the Queen of the Tauern in the region, while the nearby Grossglockner is known as the King of the Tauern. These nicknames show how locals and climbers rank the peaks in terms of importance and prestige.
The peak can be approached via four main routes, with Giessener Huette serving as the primary base for expeditions from the south. Climbers should prepare for alpine conditions and varying difficulty levels depending on their chosen route.
The peak stands as the highest among approximately 450 mountains in the Ankogel Group and ranks among the most significant summits in the western Tauern Alps. This position makes it a notable destination for climbers seeking technically demanding ascents.
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