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Großer Priel

Mountain

Großer Priel rises within Austria's Totes Gebirge and is a magnet for experienced hikers and climbers; expect steep limestone routes, alpine meadows and panoramic views from the summit plateau.

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In this guide

Großer Priel essentials

Country: Austria
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Euro (€)
Language: German, Croatian
Emergency: 133

Großer Priel at a Glance

About Großer Priel

Großer Priel is the highest mountain of the Totes Gebirge in Upper Austria, reaching an elevation of 2,515 metres. It is a prominent limestone massif in the Northern Limestone Alps.

The peak is a popular objective for hikers and mountaineers seeking alpine ridge walks and panoramic summit views across the Enns valley and surrounding ranges. Routes vary from steep hiking to more technical climbs depending on the chosen line.

The mountain has been frequented by climbers and walkers since the 19th century and forms a central feature of the Totes Gebirge landscape. Its karst terrain supports characteristic alpine flora and rocky plateaus.

Großer Priel stands in Upper Austria, rising above the Enns valley with approach options from valleys such as the Hinterstoder area and nearby alpine huts.

  • Elevation and prominence: Elevation 2,515 metres - it is the highest summit of the Totes Gebirge range and a prominent limestone peak in Upper Austria.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Großer Priel

Summer provides the safest and most convenient access to mountain routes.

Summer (Jun-Sep)
Jun-Sep · 5°C to 20°C
Main hiking and climbing season; longer daylight and clearer routes.
Late Spring (May)
May · -5°C to 10°C
Snow may persist on higher approaches-check conditions.
Autumn (Oct)
Oct · -2°C to 10°C
Crisp, quieter trails but early snow possible.

Weather & Climate near Großer Priel

Climate

Großer Priel's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -10°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1863 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 31 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulyJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-25°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -9° - -4° -14° 114 mm overcast 94% 7.1 m/s 0.1 low 8.8h
February Poor -10° - -4° -15° 105 mm overcast 92% 6.6 m/s 0.3 low 10.1h
March Poor -8° - -3° -13° 144 mm overcast 87% 6.3 m/s 0.5 moderate 11.8h
April Poor -5° - 0° -9° 150 mm overcast 81% 5.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 13.5h
May Poor -1° - 6° -2° 160 mm overcast 81% 4.9 m/s 1.2 high 14.9h
June Poor 2° - 9° 2° 202 mm overcast 80% 4.6 m/s 1.5 high 15.7h
July Poor 4° - 11° 5° 220 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.7 m/s 1.5 very high 15.3h
August Acceptable 5° - 11° 6° 183 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.4 m/s 1.3 high 14.1h
September Poor 2° - 8° 1° 156 mm partly cloudy 84% 5.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 12.4h
October Poor -1° - 5° -3° 132 mm partly cloudy 87% 6.0 m/s 0.4 low 10.7h
November Poor -6° - 0° -10° 148 mm overcast 91% 6.4 m/s 0.2 low 9.2h
December Poor -8° - -3° -13° 149 mm overcast 92% 7.1 m/s 0.1 low 8.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Großer Priel

Approaches are usually from the Traunsee and Hinterstoder regions; drive to nearby trailheads and park at designated alpine huts. Regional transit connects to larger towns; check local alpine association guidance before attempting the climb.

Tips for Visiting Großer Priel

  • If attempting the ascent, check local alpine route guides-conditions vary with snow and rockfall hazards.
  • Start early to avoid afternoon storms common in the Alps and pre-Alpine ranges.
  • Hire a certified mountain guide if unfamiliar with technical alpine routes.