Hiking the Roßkopf from Niederau: via Halsgatterl to 1,731 m

About the mountain

The Roßkopf is a broad, grassy summit of 1,731 m on the edge of the Wildschönau. It is not a sharp rock peak but an alpine-pasture mountain, with forest, meadows and a few small chapels along the route. The Lanerköpfl (1,621 m) sits just below as a lower top. From the summit you look over the Wildschönau valley and the surrounding Kitzbühel Alps. There is no hut and no catering on the summit itself, so bring food and drink. Because it lies above Niederau, the mountain combines well with a ride on the Markbachjochbahn, which saves you the first stretch of climbing.

Getting there

From Niederau this is one of the few summits where you can start without a car. The base station of the Markbachjochbahn is in the village, within walking distance of most stays or a short ride on the local bus. The lift takes you up to the Markbachjoch, from where you continue towards the Lanerköpfl. You can also walk all the way up from Niederau, for instance via the Norderbergalm. For that climb to the summit, sources mention roughly 2.5 hours and about 900 metres of ascent. From Oberau there is a longer circuit. Ask your accommodation whether the lift and bus run in your period; the operators set the timetable and it differs by season.

Summer: the circuit via Halsgatterl

The best-known route starts at the Markbachjochbahn. You walk to the Lanerköpfl and pass the chapel at the Halsgatterl, which has a local legend attached and contains two carved figures. Then comes the climb to the Roßkopf summit. On the way back you pass the Horlerstiegl chapel and the Käsealm. Tourism sources give a little over 7 km, about 4 hours and roughly 330 metres of ascent for this circuit. A shorter 7.2 km variant (about 2 hours, 245 metres of ascent) stays lower and passes the Holzalm cheese dairy and the Norderbergalm. Figures differ by source and starting point, so allow plenty of time.

Longer circuits and trail running

If you want more, pick a longer circuit. A loop of about 10 km (roughly 4 hours, 407 metres of ascent) also starts at the lift and passes the Roßkopfhütte and the Horlerstiegl chapel. From Oberau there is a tour of about 11.5 km and 6 hours with roughly 820 metres of ascent around the mountain. There is also a trail-running route of about 13 km and 930 metres of ascent between Auffach and the summit, returning via the Norderbergalm. I could not confirm mountain biking or cycling to the summit, so do not count on it. Whether the Roßkopfhütte is open depends on the source; one report says it is not currently run, so do not rely on it.

Huts and refreshments

There is no hut on the Roßkopf summit itself. On the way you pass the Norderbergalm and the Holzalm with its cheese dairy, and around the Markbachjochbahn there are places to eat at the top and base stations. Do not expect everything to be open all the time. Opening changes by season and year, so ask your accommodation or check the hut's own website beforehand. Always bring water and a packed lunch, even when a hut lies on your route. For children a break at an alpine farm with animals is often the highlight.

Winter: ski touring

In winter the Roßkopf itself is mainly for experienced ski tourers. A well-known tour starts at the Wildenbach bus stop in Niederau and climbs to the Norderbergalm and the Lanerköpfl: about 5.9 km, 3 hours 10 minutes and roughly 800 metres of ascent. The descent follows the Hochberg slope. Note that this is the route to the Lanerköpfl rather than necessarily to the main summit. Whether there is snow and whether the route is usable changes from day to day. Tour information may be dated. Anyone who does not know the area is better off going with a local mountain guide.

Safety

In winter, always check the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at) before setting out on ski tours or snowshoes. This article does not replace it and is not a route description to follow blindly, especially if you do not know the route. Carry avalanche equipment and do not go alone. In summer the normal mountain rules apply: sturdy shoes, clothing for quickly changing weather and an early start so you are back before any thunderstorm. Plan your return in case the lift has stopped running; check the last ride beforehand. In thunderstorms or fog, turn back rather than push on.

Frequently asked questions