Kesselwandferner, Alpine glacier in Ötztal Alps, Tyrol, Austria
Kesselwandferner is a glacier in the Ötztal Alps that extends across several square kilometers from about 2700 meters to the summit of Fluchtkogel at 3497 meters. The ice mass occupies a mountainous terrain with steep slopes and is bordered by neighboring glaciers.
This glacier experienced unusual growth between the 1970s and 1980s while most other Alpine glaciers were shrinking. This exceptional phase eventually ended, and the ice mass now follows the regional pattern of retreat.
Researchers regularly study this glacier to understand how climate changes affect ice masses in the Eastern Alps. These ongoing measurements help track long-term patterns in glacial movement and retreat.
Access to this glacier comes through the Rofental valley, which connects with Venter valley, a side valley of the larger Ötztal region. Weather conditions and alpine terrain require proper preparation before attempting a visit.
At one point this glacier meets the neighboring Gepatschferner glacier where they connect at Kesselwandjoch, a mountain pass completely covered by permanent ice. This icy boundary zone reveals how glacier systems link together at extreme elevations.
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