Hiking the Gratlspitz from Thierbach, Wildschönau

About the mountain

The Gratlspitz rises above Thierbach, a village in the Wildschönau valley. Sources give its height as 1,894 or 1,899 m, so count on about 1,895 m. There is a summit cross with a bench on top. The mountain is mainly a summer goal for experienced walkers: the paths are steep, in places exposed and sometimes secured with ropes. From Niederau, Thierbach is about 10 to 15 minutes by car, depending on where you start.

Summer: hiking

The shortest route starts at the Holzalm (about 1,450 m) and is about 4.4 km; the climb to the summit is steep and rated difficult by Wildschönau tourism. A longer tour starts in Thierbach, passes the Holzalmkapelle (about 1,277 m) and the Holzalm, and the return can go via the Hösljoch and the Gernalm. From the Hösljoch a marked path leads past the Halsbergalm to the top. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are needed; pick the route that matches your level and check the weather first.

Summer: loop, trail running and cycling

From the church in Thierbach a circuit of about 21 km is described, with roughly 1,400 m of ascent and descent and a high point of about 1,894 m. It starts on a gravel track and then follows paths towards the Holzalm; the section to the summit is partly exposed and secured with ropes. The same area is also described as an e-bike and mountain bike loop around the Gratlspitze. It is a long day for people with good fitness; allow plenty of time and bring enough water.

Huts and refreshments

On the way there are alpine huts and farms, including the Holzalm (with a restaurant), the Halsbergalm and the Gernalm. What is served and when they are open varies by season; ask beforehand and do not count on something always being open along the way. So bring your own drinks and lunch. A break at the Holzalm fits both the short and the long variant.

Winter

We found no confirmed information on ski touring or snowshoeing on the Gratlspitz itself and therefore do not describe a route. In winter the steep upper slope is a serious avalanche matter. If you want to go into the mountains on touring skis or snowshoes, consult the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at), ask locally or book a mountain guide. Simpler winter tours, such as the Feldalphorn from Schwarzenau, are covered in our other guide.

Getting there

From Niederau you drive to Thierbach, about 10 to 15 minutes (approximate). For the short route from the Holzalm or the Klinglerhof you need a different starting point; check the Wildschönau tourism map beforehand for where to park. The circuit starts at the church in Thierbach. Public transport through the valley reaches Thierbach; check the timetable. Start early: the day is longer than you think.

Safety

The Gratlspitz is not a family stroll. The climb is steep, partly exposed and secured with ropes; you need sure-footedness, good mountain boots and good fitness. Do not go in thunderstorms, rain or on wet grass. Bring water, a jacket and a phone and tell someone where you are going. This guide does not replace local knowledge or a mountain guide and is not a route description to follow blindly. In winter: Tyrol avalanche bulletin.

Frequently asked questions