Characteristics:

A really easy high-alpine tour for Alpinists with glacier experience.

Requirements:

Good physical condition and experience of glaciers required

Footpath type:

In the lower area: marked footpath; in the middle area: scree and rock piles; in the upper area: short glacier crossing

Exposure:

Slightly exposed

Equipment:

Rucksack, alpine boots with ankle support and a good-grip rubber sole, woollen or skiing socks, anorak with a hood (Goretex), waterproofs, cap, gloves, sun glasses (with high-quality UV protection), sun cream, lip protection, spare clothing, water bottle. Safety equipment will be provided by the mountain guide (crampons, harness, rope, etc.).

Map:

Alpine Association map no. 42, "Sonnblickgruppe"

Huts:

Zittel House

History:

Like an eagle’s nest, the Sonnblick Observatorium has sat majestically on the summit of the Hoher Sonnblick for more than 100 years. It is Europe’s oldest mountain-top weather station.

Description of the tour:

Anreise:

Travel to Großkirchheim
Then on the Apriach state road as far as the turn off for the Zirknitz valley, which you follow to the car park (with barrier), at the top end of the Great Zirknitz valley.

Starting place:

Great Zirknitz car park

Directions:

From the car park, by the Schrallkaser and along the summer footpath uphill to Brettkaser. Then across the floor of the alpine pasture up to Parzissel (old miners’ house), and take the marked footpath up through the trough of the Parzissel valley to the south-eastern ridge of the Goldbergspitze. From there you go over the boulders and with easy climbing up to the Goldberg summit. Then there is a descent to the Little Fleißkees glacier, before you press on to the already visible Sonnblick summit.

Descent:

Via the Upper Goldbergkees glacier to the lower Brettscharte, from where a marked footpath takes you back on the same route as for the ascent.