Spritzkarspitze, Limestone summit in Karwendel range, Austria

Spritzkarspitze is a limestone peak in the Karwendel range with steep slopes and rocky faces. The summit stands out clearly above the surrounding landscape and can be seen from numerous viewpoints in the valley below.

The peak belongs to the Karwendel range, which formed during the alpine mountain-building process millions of years ago. Tectonic forces created the limestone layers visible in the rock today.

The 1902 first ascent of the Schiefer Riss by O. Bauriedl and A. Holzer, rated V-, was considered the most important climb in the Karwendel at the start of the 20th century. The Nordkante (V+) followed in 1924, climbed by L. Bauer and G. Gruber. The Gerade Nordwestwand (IV) is now among the more frequently repeated routes on the north side.

The mountain can be reached from the valley via marked hiking trails that take several hours depending on the route chosen. Mountain shelters nearby provide rest stops and emergency shelter during the climbing season.

The easiest ascent is Hermann von Barth's south route through the Spritzkar, the line of the first ascent; it is laborious and hard to follow on the descent. The north side holds harder ground: the Schiefe Riss, first climbed in 1902 by O. Bauriedl and A. Holzer at grade V-, was considered the Karwendel's foremost climb at the start of the 20th century.