| Hochwanner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,744 m (9,003 ft) |
| Coordinates | 47°23′45″N11°3′15″E / 47.39583°N 11.05417°E /47.39583; 11.05417 |
| Geography | |
  Hochwanner Location in the Alps | |
| Location | Bavarian /Tyrolian border |
| Parent range | Wettersteinhauptkamm |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1870 byHermann von Barth |
| Easiest route | Mountain tour (from the south, partially trackless, Grade I climb in places) |
At 2,744 metres (9,003 ft),[1][2] theHochwanner (formerly:Kothbachspitze) is the second highest mountain in Germany[3] after theZugspitze (if the somewhat higherSchneefernerkopf is only considered as a sub-peak of the Zugspitze). In addition the Hochwanner is the highest peak on the main ridge of theWetterstein (Wettersteinhauptkamm) running fromGatterl to the Upper Wettersteinspitze (Oberen Wettersteinspitze) aboveMittenwald in an east–west direction.[4] From the Hochwanner massif there is an all-round view of the Rein valley (Reintal), theLeutasch valley in Austria, theGais valley, the Zugspitze, theMieming Chain, theJubiläumsgrat, theKarwendel mountains and far into the centralAlps.[4]
Despite being the second highest peak in Germany and having a north face which drops about 1500 m[2] (one of the highest rock faces in the whole of theNorthern Limestone Alps) the Hochwanner has remained a relatively unknown mountain. This is due to its relatively inaccessible location, behind theAlpspitze and hidden by theHöllentalspitze. The more widely known, but lowerWatzmann is often wrongly cited as the second highest mountain in Germany.
The easiest route to the summit is from the south from the Rotmoosalm (3 hours) or from Gatterl. Pathless in places or only recognisable by a faint trail it initially runs up steep grass meadows, later over a short rock climb (grade I on theUIAA scale) and then mainly over steep, laborious scree slopes to the summit. The route is sparingly marked withcairns. The north face is a very long climb.
Hochwanner was first climbed byHermann von Barth in 1870.[2]
