The best mountain hikes in Naturschutzgebiet Arnspitze

There are nearly 180 mountaineering routes in Naturschutzgebiet Arnspitze. The majority of these, 107 routes, are classified as difficult, with another 70 considered moderate, and a few easier options available.

Mountaineering in Naturschutzgebiet Arnspitze is generally demanding, with most routes classified as difficult (T3). They require good physical fitness, sure-footedness, and often a head for heights. Some alpine climbs, like the ridge traverse, demand climbing expertise of at least grade II/3- and the use of climbing harnesses and ropes.

Yes, Naturschutzgebiet Arnspitze offers several challenging circular routes. For instance, the Arnplatten Peak – Große Arnspitze loop from Parkplatz Hoher Sattel is a difficult 12.9 km trail that takes around 7 hours 28 minutes. Another option is the Gehrenspitze Summit – Scharnitzjoch (2,048 m) loop from Parkplatz Puitbach-Ahrn, a longer 22.0 km route.

The region is characterized by rugged alpine peaks, primarily composed of Wetterstein limestone. You'll encounter diverse forest ecosystems, from spruce-fir to dwarf pine fields, and visible traces of glaciation. Notable points include the Arnplatten Peak and the High Saddle. The area is also home to the Arnspitz Hut, an unmanned resting spot.

Yes, the Arnspitz Hut is an unmanned hut situated at 1,930 meters below the summit of Große Arnspitze. It serves as a basic resting spot for mountaineers tackling the challenging routes in the area.

For breathtaking views, consider routes that traverse the Riedbergscharte and the Achterköpfe, often starting from Leutasch. The Söllerinne – Meilerhütte loop from Puitbach is another popular choice, leading through varied mountain landscapes and offering panoramic vistas.

The routes in Naturschutzgebiet Arnspitze are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 600 reviews. Mountaineers often praise the challenging ascents, the untouched wilderness, and the dramatic alpine scenery.

The highest peak is Große Arnspitze, reaching an elevation of 2,196 meters. The normal climbing route (Weg 851) from Scharnitz is very demanding, requiring significant sure-footedness and alpine experience. It involves steep ascents and climbing sections of difficulty I+, aided by fixed rings, and typically takes around 7.5 hours.

Yes, for very experienced alpinists, the traverse connecting the Große Arnspitze, Mittlere Arnspitze (2091 m), and Arnplattenspitze (2171 m) is a notable option. This route demands climbing expertise of at least grade II, and for some passages, grade 3-, often requiring climbing harnesses, ropes, and helmets for self-securing.

Yes, the Söllerinne – Meilerhütte loop from Puitbach is a 15.3 km trail that includes the Meilerhütte. Another option is the Gorge Near Scharnitz – Meilerhütte loop from Naturschutzgebiet Arnspitze, a difficult 14.5 km route.

Common starting points include Scharnitz, Leutasch, and Mittenwald. Specific routes often begin from designated parking areas like Parkplatz Hoher Sattel or Parkplatz Puitbach-Ahrn, offering access to various parts of the Arnspitze Group.