Ackerlspitze

Ackerlspitze
Ackerlspitze (centre) and Maukspitze (right), seen from Hartkaiser (southwest)
Highest point
Elevation	2,329 m (AA) (7,641 ft)
Isolation	3.4 kilometres (2.1 mi)
Coordinates	47°N 12°E / 47°N 12°E / 47; 12Coordinates: 47°N 12°E / 47°N 12°E / 47; 12
Geography
Ackerlspitze Tyrol,  Austria
Parent range	Kaisergebirge
Climbing
Normal route	From Fritz Pflaum Hut towards Kleines Törl southeast to the summit (Grade I)

At 2,329 metres above sea level, the Ackerlspitze is the second highest peak in the Kaisergebirge range in the east of the Austrian state of Tyrol. The mountain is located in the eastern part of the range, also referred to as the Ostkaiser or East Kaiser. To the east it is flanked by the Maukspitze (2.231 m), to the north it sends a ridge to the Lärcheck (2,123 m). To the southwest a prominent, rocky arête runs over to the Regalmspitze (2,253 m) and on to the Kleines Törl. To the south the Ackerlspitze drops steeply, with vertical rock faces in places, into the Leukental valley. To the northwest it falls away just as steeply into the Griesner Cirque (Griesner Kar) and to the northeast into the Mauk Cirque (Maukkar). On fine days there is an attractive and extensive panoramic view from the summit of the Ackerlspitze over the neighbouring mountain groups and as far as the Chiemsee lake in Bavaria as well as the Großvenediger.

The first touristic ascent was achieved on 1 October 1826 by Karl Thurwieser and J. Carl, led by Stephan Unterrainer.

The base for the classic ascent of the Ackerlspitze is the Ackerl Hut (self-catering) at 1,460 metres. From here the route strikes north to the Niedersessel Cirque (Niedersesselkar) (there is often a steep and dangerous old icefield here until mid-July). From there the route runs on the southern side, partly equipped with safety cables and iron rungs, through the Hochsessel and continues along the eastern arête to reach the summit in 3 hours. According to the literature it is an easy grade I, but exposed tour with a risk of falling rocks, requiring dry conditions, sure footing, no fear of heights and Alpine experience. The valley base for this route is Going.

A less frequented route, which is well worthwhile and less demanding than that from the south. The start point is the Griesner Alm in the Kaiserbach valley, from there the path snakes upwards to reach the Fritz Pflaum Hut (1,865 m, self-catering). From there it is another 2 hours to the top along the shaded northern flank of the Ackerlspitze. This route is rather easier, not so exposed and endangered by falling rocks compared with the southern option, but not usually usable until July due to fields of old snow.