Kreuzspitze, Alpine summit in Prägraten am Großvenediger, Austria

Kreuzspitze is a 3155-metre summit in the Venediger group of the Hohe Tauern, in East Tyrol, Austria. It is one of the highest Alpine peaks in East Tyrol that can be climbed without crossing a glacier. Routes reach it from Prägraten via the Sajathütte, partly on a path blasted out of vertical rock, or more easily from the Johannishütte in the Hinterbichler Dorfertal or from the Eisseehütte in the Timmeltal over the Zopetscharte and Tulpspitze.

The mountain area has been explored by Tyrolean climbers for generations, with today's routes based on these early expeditions. A key feature is the Sajathütte refuge at 2600 meters, rebuilt in 2002 after being destroyed by an avalanche.

The site draws mountaineers who follow traditional routes and encounter steel cable protections along steep sections. This equipment shows how climbers have managed alpine hazards for decades.

The hike begins from Johannishütte at 2121 meters, reachable in roughly 2.5 hours from Hinterbichl or by mountain transport. The path is marked, but requires sure-footedness and proper footwear for rocky and loose terrain.

A large wooden cross stands at the summit, representing a long tradition of peak markings in this region. This symbol serves not only as a landmark but also as a quiet memorial for generations of mountaineers.