Ritterkopf
The Ritterkopf is a prominent mountain in Rauris, about 3 km north of the main chain of the Tauern Alps in Austria, and separates the valleys of Krumltal and Hüttwinkltal. On the mountainsides there are the sites of mineral deposits, some of which are tourist attractions. In the Ritterkar cirque gold was mined in the 16th century.
Ascent
Because there are no waymarked paths on the mountain, a good sense of direction and clear weather are necessary and sure-footedness is also required in the trackless terrain. In addition, there are no mountain huts on the Ritterkopf, so a day should be allowed in order to climb through a total of about 1,800 metres.- The normal route runs from the Alpengasthof Bodenhaus inn through the Ritterkaralm and along the eastern arete to the summit.
- The north ridge is classified in the 1986 Alpine Club Guide as UIAA grade I.
- The ascent from the Krumltal valley through the Gamskar cirque, to the Goldlacklscharte col and along the south arete is rated in the same guide as UIAA I; but because there is a section of the ridge with very sandy and friable rock it is only recommended for very experienced alpinists.
Maps and guides
- Alpine Club map, Sheet 42, 1:25,000 series, Sonnblick
- Liselotte Buchenauer, Peter Holl: Alpine Club Guide Ankogel- und Goldbergruppe. Bergverlag Rudolf Rother, Munich, 1986.