Frau Hitt
| Frau Hitt | |
|---|---|
Frau Hitt
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,270 m (AA) (7,450 ft) |
| Coordinates | 47°18′19″N 11°21′2″E / 47.30528°N 11.35056°ECoordinates: 47°18′19″N 11°21′2″E / 47.30528°N 11.35056°E |
| Geography | |
| Parent range | Nordkette, Karwendel |
| Geology | |
| Type of rock | Kalk |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | probably 1580 by Johann Georg Ernstinger |
| Normal route | in one place III, otherwise II |
The Frau Hitt (2,270 m (AA)) is a peak in the Nordkette, the southernmost mountain chain of the Karwendel in Austria. In appearance it resembles a woman (German: Frau) on a horse, hence the name.
According to legend the peak is a petrified giant queen, called Frau Hitt, who was known for her avarice and self-infatuation. The legend has various versions. One widespread story is that Frau Hitt only offered a beggar woman a stone to eat. The beggar woman was so incensed by this mockery that she cursed the giantess and her horse, which were then turned into stone as an eternal punishment.
The prominent rock needle, high above Innsbruck, used to be a tourist symbol for the city. A plan to create a spectacular wrapping over Frau Hitt by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude finally failed through lack of funds.
Frau Hitt was probably first climbed in 1580 by Johann Georg Ernstinger. It was conquered several times during the 19th century by unknown mountaineers. Frau Hitt is usually climbed via the west shoulder (at one place III, otherwise II). To reach this shoulder there is a route from the east (grade II) and a rather more difficult one (III+) from the west.
The Frau Hitt Saddle (2,235 m above sea level (AA)) lies west of Frau Hitt, where a crossing from the Inn Valley to the Gleirschtal valley is possible (the protected ascent to the Frau Hitt Cirque (Frau Hitt-Kar) is north of and below Frau Hitt). Neighbouring crossings are: in the west the Erl Saddle near the Solsteinhaus, in the east the Hafelekar top station.
Frau Hitt Saddle is the crossing point of the following hiking trails and climbing routes:
Frau Hitt between the Frau Hitt Saddle (l) and Western Sattelspitze (r)
West side of Frau Hitt
East side of Frau Hitt
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Wikipedia