1841
3,666 m
Ignaz von Kürsinger, Anton von Ruthner, Paul Rohregger
GROSSVENEDIGER
Normal route - Kürsingerhütte (PD)
Südtirolalpin
IFMGA certified mountain and ski guides
South Tyrolean Mountain and Ski Guides Association
Email suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Price from:
€950
for 1 person · lower price per person from 2 participants
Duration:
2 days
Großvenediger – Normal route via the Kürsinger Hut
The “Weltalte Majestät” (“Ancient Majesty”) is a big, proud glaciated mountain in the Hohe Tauern – and a wonderful objective for your first steps into the high mountains.
3,666 m · Difficulty PD (alpine tour) · 2 days · Hohe Tauern
The Großvenediger is the highest summit of the Venediger Group in the Hohe Tauern. From every side, the 3,666-metre peak presents itself with mighty glaciers and inevitably catches the eye when you are standing on neighbouring summits.
Its relatively modest difficulty makes it a very popular objective for anyone who wants to gain their first experience in the high mountains and on glaciers. What must not be underestimated on the Großvenediger, however, are its sometimes very large and impressive crevasses. That is precisely what makes this tour so appealing: a big, genuine glaciated mountain that has real alpine character despite its forgiving line.
The “Weltalte Majestät”, as the Großvenediger has always been known, lives up to its proud name in every way. An impressive summit that, with relatively moderate difficulty, casts its spell over countless mountaineers.
THE TOUR
The Großvenediger via the normal route from the Obersulzbachtal and the Kürsingerhütte is one of the classic alpine tours in the Hohe Tauern. There are several ways to reach the summit. Both the route presented here via the Obersulzbachkees and the Kürsingerhütte and the southern approach via the Johanneshütte and the Defreggerhaus are moderate in difficulty, making them suitable for newcomers to the world of glacier tours.
Ideally led by a mountain guide, the route takes you through impressive crevasse zones from the Kürsingerhütte, first up to the Venedigerscharte between the Großvenediger and the Kleinvenediger, and then along the south side to the summit ridge. This is often the crux of the tour and, depending on snow conditions, can range from a broad track to a very narrow snow ridge.
That is exactly what makes this route so appealing: it is technically not very difficult, yet it remains a genuine alpine tour with vast glacier terrain, wide horizons and a summit that has earned its reputation. Anyone who climbs the Großvenediger is not just standing on any old three-thousander, but on one of the best-known mountains in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Complete organisation and guiding by an IFMGA certified mountain and ski guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs for participants:
- 1 night in a hut with half board at the Kürsingerhütte
- Taxi from Hopffeldboden to the Kürsingerhütte goods lift
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Expenses (accommodation, taxi) for the mountain guide
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per item)
Facts
Location:
Venediger Group - Hohe Tauern
Best time of year:
Mid-June - end of September
Duration:
2 days
Meeting point:
Hopffeldboden car park in the Obersulzbachtal
Requirements
Safety-relevant
- Sure-footedness
- Good fitness for 8-10 hours of walking and 1,100 metres of ascent
Key to enjoyment
- A head for heights
- Good acclimatisation
PRICE
Participants:
max. 6 people
Price from
€950
for 1 person · lower price per person from 2 participants
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Ascent to the hut
The meeting point for the ascent to the hut is the Hopffeldboden car park in the Obersulzbachtal. Here we briefly check the equipment and treat ourselves to a taxi ride through the long valley, framed by steep slopes, to the goods lift of the Kürsingerhütte. From here we hike up to the hut in about 2 to 2.5 hours. The approach is deliberately kept manageable – just right for arriving at a relaxed pace, taking in the surroundings and getting in the mood for the next day.
Walking time: 2 h | ↑ 650 m
⌂ Kürsingerhütte (2,558 m)
Day 2: Großvenediger summit day
We set off early the next morning towards the glacier. Once we reach the snout of the Venedigerkees, we rope up and climb as a rope team to the Venedigerscharte. Here the view opens to the south for the first time, giving us a first impression of the panorama awaiting us on the summit. From the col it is about another hour to the summit. The grand finale is a short snow ridge that leads us to the highest point of the Großvenediger. After a summit break we begin the long descent back to the valley, where our taxi picks us up at the goods lift and takes us back to the car park.
Total time: 9 h | ↑ 1,100 m | ↓ 1,750 m | Difficulty: PD (alpine tour)
The story of the first ascent
It took almost three decades after the first ascent of the Großglockner before a first attempt was made on the Großvenediger. Led by Paul Rohregger, who had been commissioned personally by Archduke Johann, a party of 17 set off for the summit. However, shortly below the summit, after a difficult ascent via the north ridge, they were caught by an avalanche and the venture failed. Thirteen years later came a new attempt: led by Ignaz von Kürsinger, no fewer than 40 men set out. This time they chose a slightly different route, climbing from the Obersulzbachtal via the Stierlahnerwand and the Steinkar to the Venedigerscharte. This route is still frequently used today as one of the normal routes. 26 members of this expedition reached the summit on 3 September 1841 – among them Paul Rohregger, who had been seriously injured in the avalanche during the first attempt 13 years earlier.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is the Großvenediger tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, in principle it is. The Großvenediger is considered a fairly easy alpine tour and is an excellent objective for anyone who wants to gain their first experience on a glacier. You should, however, bring good basic fitness and sure-footedness.
How demanding is the summit day?
The second day is long and demanding. Above all, the ascent across the Venedigerkees, the crevasse zones and the short snow ridge to the summit call for stamina and concentration. Precisely because the tour is considered forgiving, you should not underestimate the character of a big glaciated mountain.
What equipment do I need?
You will receive the exact packing list with your confirmation email. Most important are sturdy mountain boots and suitable clothing for an alpine tour. Technical equipment can be rented from the South Tyrolean mountain guides for a small wear-and-tear fee.
Looking for a different tour? Send us your request
MOUNTAIN GUIDE ALPINE CLASSICS
# GROSSVENEDIGER # NORMAL ROUTE # KÜRSINGERHÜTTE # MOUNTAIN GUIDE