Highlight • Summit
Great Rettenstein
Hiking
4.9
(53)
Mountaineering
5.0
(19)
Mountain biking
5.0
(7)
Running
5.0
(2)
The Großer Rettenstein is a prominent and multi-peaked mountain in the Kitzbühel Alps, Austria, standing at an elevation of 2,362 meters. This striking summit forms a natural border between Tyrol and Salzburg Pinzgau, dominating the Spertental valley near Kirchberg in Tirol. Its rugged, craggy limestone block, rising 400 meters above a base of grauwacke and primary rock, makes it a distinctive landmark amidst the region's otherwise gentle grass-covered mountains.
Visitors consistently rave about the spectacular panoramic views from the Großer Rettenstein summit. From this elevated vantage point, hikers can enjoy breathtaking vistas stretching across the Hohe Tauern, including iconic peaks like Grossglockner and Grossvenediger, and extending to the Zillertal Alps and the Kaisergebirge. The unique geological contrast of its rocky form against the green landscape is also a frequently admired feature.
An ascent to the Großer Rettenstein summit is a challenging endeavor requiring sure-footedness, a good head for heights, and alpine experience. The terrain involves steep forest paths transitioning to rocky sections, with occasional short climbing passages necessary before reaching the top. Essential equipment includes sturdy hiking boots, a backpack with sufficient food and water, and appropriate clothing for changing mountain weather. Starting points for the hike often include the villages of Aschau or Bramberg, with the Hintenbachalm serving as a suitable trailhead.
The Großer Rettenstein offers rewarding hiking and mountaineering opportunities, particularly for those seeking a demanding alpine experience. Many hikers recommend starting early in the morning to enjoy the summit in solitude and to avoid the intense midday sun on the descent. While beautiful, the mountain can be particularly dangerous with snow, even in spring, so checking conditions is crucial. The area is also part of a protected landscape, offering chances to spot diverse flora like gentian and edelweiss, and wildlife such as marmots and ibex.
A typical hike to the Großer Rettenstein summit involves an elevation gain of approximately 1,200 to 1,350 meters, with a round trip usually taking around six hours. After navigating steep forest trails, the route leads into more exposed, rocky terrain. The final push to the summit cross requires careful footing and some scrambling, but the normal route is generally manageable for experienced mountain hikers without specialized climbing gear.
Reaching the top of the Großer Rettenstein offers a profound sense of achievement, often celebrated with a well-deserved break and a packed lunch while soaking in the expansive views. The isolated location of the peak ensures an outstanding viewing experience, making it a popular destination for those who appreciate pristine nature and challenging trails. The long ridge extending north towards the Spießnägel also provides an option for an extended ridge traverse for those with very good fitness.
Whether you're looking for a demanding summit hike or simply wish to explore the stunning Kitzbühel Alps, the Großer Rettenstein offers a memorable adventure. Discover a variety of routes and plan your visit using komoot, where you can find detailed maps and community-shared experiences for hiking and mountaineering in this spectacular region.
Routes leading to this Highlight may be highly dangerous
Routes comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
Tips
May 10, 2020
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Great Rettenstein
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,300 m
Contacts
Großer Rettenstein, 6365 Kirchberg in Tirol, Österreich
Good to know
Family Friendly
no
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
no
Weather
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Saturday 9 May
14°C
6°C
22 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary starting points for a hike to Großer Rettenstein?
Hikers typically begin their ascent from the villages of Aschau or Bramberg. The Hintenbachalm is often cited as a suitable trailhead, offering access to routes that lead up to the summit.
How difficult is the hike to Großer Rettenstein, and what experience is required?
The hike to Großer Rettenstein is considered challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Hikers need to be sure-footed and have a good head for heights, as the terrain involves steep forest paths, rocky sections, and occasional short climbing passages, particularly just before the summit. Alpine experience is essential.
Is Großer Rettenstein suitable for a winter hike or in early spring?
While stunning, Großer Rettenstein can be extremely dangerous with snow, even in early spring. There have been reports of crashes due to snow. Absolute sure-footedness and careful assessment of conditions are crucial. It's generally recommended to avoid the summit during snowy periods unless you are an experienced mountaineer with appropriate winter equipment.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted around Großer Rettenstein?
The area around Großer Rettenstein is part of a protected landscape, rich in biodiversity. Hikers might encounter red deer, chamois, ibex, and marmots. The flora is also diverse, featuring pine, spruce, gentian, edelweiss, and monkshood.
Are there any advanced climbing routes on Großer Rettenstein?
Yes, for experienced climbers, the south side of Großer Rettenstein offers appealing climbing routes. The normal hiking route to the summit cross also involves a short climbing section, but it's generally manageable for experienced mountain hikers without specialized climbing equipment.
What are the notable geological features of Großer Rettenstein?
Großer Rettenstein is renowned for its unique geology. It features a mighty, craggy summit block made of a 400-meter-thick layer of limestone, which dramatically stands atop a base of grauwacke and primary rock (quartz phyllite). This distinct composition makes its rugged, rocky form stand out from the surrounding gentler 'grass mountains' of the Kitzbühel Alps.
How long does a typical hike to the summit of Großer Rettenstein take, and what is the elevation gain?
A typical round trip to the summit of Großer Rettenstein usually takes around six hours. Hikers can expect an elevation gain of approximately 1,200 to 1,350 meters, depending on the chosen starting point and route.
Are there any options for public transport to reach Großer Rettenstein?
While the provided information highlights starting points like Aschau and Bramberg, specific details regarding direct public transport connections to the trailheads are not extensively covered. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or taxi services from nearby towns like Kirchberg in Tirol to reach the starting points.
Is Großer Rettenstein a family-friendly destination or suitable for dogs?
Given the challenging nature of the ascent, requiring sure-footedness, a good head for heights, and alpine experience, Großer Rettenstein is generally not considered family-friendly for young children. For dogs, the rugged and exposed terrain, especially near the summit, could be difficult and potentially dangerous. Only very experienced mountain dogs, accustomed to such conditions, should attempt this hike, and always on a leash for safety.
What are the best viewpoints on Großer Rettenstein, apart from the main summit?
While the main summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern, Zillertal Alps, and Kaisergebirge, the elongated ridge of the Spießnägel, extending north from Großer Rettenstein, also provides excellent vantage points. A traverse along this ridge can offer different perspectives of the surrounding landscape for those with very good fitness.
What should I wear and bring for a hike to Großer Rettenstein?
Essential equipment includes sturdy hiking boots, a backpack with sufficient food and water, and appropriate clothing for changing mountain weather. Layers are recommended, as conditions can vary significantly. Given the challenging terrain, hiking poles can also be beneficial, and a first-aid kit is always wise.