Grossglockner - Austria

Group crossing Pasterze Glacier from Hoffmanns Hute (Hoffmann's House). Glockner ridge in the clouds. Normal Route from Franz-Josefs-Haus: 5 h Descend to the Pasterze glacier and cross it. Ascent over the moraines to the beginning of the Hoffmannkees glacier (marked with cairns). Crossing the glacier (experiences and gear for it necessary) while ascending to the south, then at the north side of the Salmkamp in western direction to the hut. This used to be the most common ascent. But it has become more difficult in recent years because of shrinking glaciers and can be dangerous in later summer (from mid of August) because of stone falls.

Climbing up towards Erzherzog-Johann Hut aka "Adlersruhe"("eagle's rest") (el 3454m). The Erzherzog-Johann-hut is the highest Austrian hut. It is a perfect starting point for the normal route of Grossglockner as the summit is only 1,5 to 2 hours away. There is campground next to the hut.

On the other side of the Pasterze Glacier is Fuscher-Kar-Kopf mountain. The tin line is the road going from village of Heiligen Blut to Franz Josef Haus (el. 2148m) and the Hoffmanns Hut (el. 2444m) which is starting point if you go from the east side.

The view from the Glockner Ridge towards south, Kärnten Alps and Italy.

An Ibex, spotted on the way to Adlersruhe

Footprints lead to pyramid of Kleinglockner (el. 3770m)

Taking a break at Frühstücksplatz - 2793 m. Svetlana is in the center.

Part of the Glockner Ridge.

Climbers on the Glockner Scharte, the pass between Klein- and Grossglockner. In the background Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße.

The main summit pyramid of the Grossglockner.

On the summit of Grossglockner (el. 3798m, 12,461ft). The picture with summit cross is a must. Svetlana is in the center.

On the way back the weather was bad.