Rötspitze

Rötspitze rises to 3,496 meters and forms a natural border between East Tyrol in Austria and South Tyrol in Italy. The mountain is part of the Venediger Group within the Hohe Tauern range, a major Alpine massif spanning multiple countries.

The mountain was first documented as climbed on August 22, 1854, marking the start of recorded mountaineering in this Hohe Tauern section. This early ascent reflected growing European interest in exploring the eastern Alps during the 1800s.

The mountain carries two names reflecting its location between language regions: Rötspitze in German-speaking areas and Pizzo Rosso in Italian-speaking territories. This naming shows how the Alps bring together and simultaneously separate people of different cultures.

Climbers access the mountain through three main towns: Prägraten am Großvenediger, Sankt Jakob in Defereggen, and Prettau, each offering different route options. Optimal climbing conditions occur from June to September when snow coverage is minimal.

The mountain has a prominence of 653 meters, making it a distinct geographical feature within the Venediger Group. This prominence creates clearly visible characteristics recognizable from several Alpine valleys.

Location: Prägraten am Großvenediger

Location: Sankt Jakob in Defereggen

Location: Prettau

Elevation above the sea: 3,496 m

GPS coordinates: 47.02698,12.20487

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11