HochtorHochtor at a Glance
About Hochtor
Hochtor is a mountain summit in Styria, Austria, and the highest point of the Ennstal Alps at about 2,369 metres. It forms a central feature of the rugged Gesäuse mountain group.
The area around Hochtor is popular for hiking, climbing and alpine walking, with routes of varying difficulty that traverse steep ridges and alpine meadows. The broader massif is characterised by dramatic limestone walls and narrow valleys.
The Gesäuse area has a long history of alpine travel and shepherding; it was designated as a national park to protect its distinctive landscapes and biodiversity. Outdoor routes are managed and signposted according to park regulations.
Hochtor sits in central Styria within Gesäuse National Park, northeast of the market town of Admont and accessible from regional mountain roads and trailheads.
- In Gesäuse National Park: The summit lies within Gesäuse National Park, making it part of a protected alpine landscape with marked trails and conservation rules.
Best Time to Visit Hochtor
Hochtor and the surrounding alpine pass are best visited in summer (June-September) when roads and trails are generally clear.
Weather & Climate near Hochtor
Hochtor's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1682 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -3° | -13° | 99 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -3° | -13° | 93 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -7° - -1° | -10° | 129 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -5° - 2° | -6° | 131 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Poor | 0° - 8° | 1° | 143 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.9h |
| June | Poor | 3° - 11° | 4° | 186 mm | overcast | 80% | 4.3 m/s | 1.5 high | 15.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 200 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 8° | 167 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 147 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 6° | -2° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 5.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -5° - 1° | -8° | 134 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -2° | -12° | 129 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
How to Get to Hochtor
Hochtor is on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Großglockner Hochalpenstraße). Access is by car via the Hochalpenstraße (toll road) between the valleys served from the Heiligenblut and Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße sides; there is parking at the Hochtor pass and marked paths from the pass area. Note the road is seasonal and closed in winter-check opening dates before travel.