Hochalmspitze

Mountain Prominent alpine peak in the Ankogel group

Hochalmspitze in Carinthia stands within the Hohe Tauern range; mountaineers and hikers use marked routes and alpine huts to reach glacial cirques and panoramic summits.

Main image

Hochalmspitze is a high alpine peak in the Hohe Tauern range of Carinthia, Austria, rising to approximately 3,360 metres. It is a prominent summit within the regional high mountain landscape.

Routes to the summit involve steep alpine terrain and are typically attempted by experienced hikers and climbers during the summer season when conditions are most favourable. The mountain offers extensive high-mountain views across the Hohe Tauern.

Alpine parties began exploring and ascending peaks in the Hohe Tauern in the 19th century, and Hochalmspitze has since become a recognised objective for mountaineers in Carinthia. Mountain huts and marked routes in the region support multi-day approaches.

The peak sits within the central Austrian Alps in Carinthia, surrounded by glaciers and high mountain terrain typical of the Hohe Tauern massif.

  • Elevation: Elevation is 3,360 metres, making it one of the higher summits in the region and a target for experienced alpinists.
Hochalmspitze
Hochalmspitze, Hohe Tauern range, Carinthia, Austria
47.0162, 13.3217
Open access (mountain routes); season and route dependent
Free (public access to trails); guided hut or alpine services may charge fees

How to Get to Hochalmspitze #

Hochalmspitze is accessed from the Mölltal or Mallnitz valleys in Carinthia. The regional road network connects to national highways; climbers and hikers typically base in Mallnitz or use mountain huts as staging points for summit attempts.

Tips for Visiting Hochalmspitze #

  • Start alpine hikes from Mallnitz or the Mölltal valley-these towns are the usual staging points for Hochalmspitze ascents.
  • Bring glacier travel gear if attempting routes that cross snowfields-conditions can persist into summer at high elevations.
  • Check mountain-weather services and local hut statuses; mountain huts can be seasonal and require advance booking.

Best Time to Visit Hochalmspitze #

Summer is the main season for hiking and mountaineering; winter requires alpine experience and appropriate equipment.

Summer (mountaineering)
June-September · 5-15°C (41-59°F) at higher altitudes
Best window for alpine ascents and multi-day hut approaches.
Winter (ski mountaineering)
December-March · -10-0°C (14-32°F)
Serious winter conditions-only for experienced teams with avalanche training.

Weather & Climate near Hochalmspitze #

Climate

Hochalmspitze's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -15°C to 5°C. Abundant rainfall (1843 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-30°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -9°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
9.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -15°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

23 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-15° -10°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
9.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-14° -9°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

155 mm
Rainfall
8.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-11° -6°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.5h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

25 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -2°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
14.9h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-3°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

168 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.5
UV Index
Very High
15.7h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (183 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

183 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.3h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

167 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
14.1h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-2°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

143 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -2°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
8.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° -6°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

19 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-13° -8°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

155 mm
Rainfall
9.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

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