Hochkönig Massifs

The Hochkönig group, one of the finest mountain massifs of the Northern Alps in the province of Salzburg, adjoins the Steinernes Meer on the southeast. It is also known as the Übergossene Alm ("The Overspilled Pastureland") or the Ewiges Scnhneegebirge ("The Eternal Snow Mountain"). Its massive bulk, falling away in precipitous rock faces, is crowned by a gently rounded icefield, from which the summit of the Hochkönig (2,941m/9,649ft) projects only a short way. The view from the summit of the massif is particularly far-ranging and grand. The ascent from the Arthur-Haus (1,503m/4,931ft) at Mühlbach is relatively easy, and the alternative approach from Werfen by way of the Ostpreussen-Hütte (1,630m/5,348ft) presents no particular difficulty. Both routes are also popular ski runs, reckoned among the finest in the Alps, with a drop of 2,400m/7,900ft. The ascents from Hintertal by way of the Teufelslöcher ("Devil's Holes") and from the Torscharte on the mighty Hochseiler (2,793m/9,164ft) are for more experienced climbers only. Skilled mountaineers favor especially the towers and pinnacles of the Manndlwand, the rugged and jagged ridge of which runs eastwards from the Hochkönig towards the Mitterfeldalm.