1841
3,666 m
Ignaz von Kürsinger, Anton von Ruthner, Paul Rohregger
GROSSVENEDIGER
Obersulzbachtal (PD)
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
290,- €
THE MOUNTAIN
The “World-Old Majesty” is a great, proud glacier mountain in the Hohe Tauern – and for exactly that reason a wonderful objective for getting started in the high mountains.
3,666 m · Difficulty PD (alpine tour) · 2 days · Hohe Tauern
Großvenediger is the highest summit of the Venedigergruppe in the Hohe Tauern. From every side, this 3,666-metre peak presents itself with mighty glaciers and inevitably draws the eye when you are standing on neighbouring summits.
The relatively modest difficulties make it a very popular objective for anyone wanting to gain their first experience in the high mountains and on glaciers. What should not be underestimated on Großvenediger, however, are the sometimes very large and impressive crevasses. That is precisely what gives this tour its appeal: a big, genuine glacier mountain that, despite its forgiving line, still has true alpine character.
The “World-Old Majesty”, as Großvenediger has long been known, fully lives up to this proud name. An impressive summit that captivates countless mountaineers with relatively moderate difficulties.
ABOUT THE TOUR
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 variations for reaching the summit. The difficulties on the tour presented here via the Obersulzbachkees and the Kürsingerhütte, as well as on the southern approach via the Johanneshütte and the Defreggerhaus, are both forgiving and therefore also suitable for beginners entering the world of glacier tours.
Ideally under the guidance of a mountain guide, the route leads through impressive crevasse zones from the Kürsingerhütte first up to the Venedigerscharte between Großvenediger and Kleinvenediger, and then on the south side onwards to the summit ridge. This often presents the crux of the tour and, depending on snow conditions, can range from a broad track to a very narrow snow arête.
That is exactly what makes this route so appealing: it is technically not very difficult, yet it remains a true alpine tour with extensive glacier terrain, wide horizons, and a summit whose reputation is richly deserved. Anyone who climbs Großvenediger is not simply standing on just any three-thousander, but on one of the best-known mountains in the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Entire organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs:
- 1 overnight stay with half board at the Kürsingerhütte
- Taxi from Hopfelboden to the Kürsingerhütte cable car
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Expenses (accommodation, taxi) for the mountain guide
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per piece of equipment)
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
What you need
Safety-relevant requirements
- Surefootedness
- Good physical condition for 8-10 hours of walking and 1,100 meters of ascent
Requirements for enjoyment
- No fear of heights
- Good acclimatization
PRICING
Participants:
max. 6 people
Prices:
1 person:
2 people:
3 people:
4 people:
5 people:
6 people:
950,- €
570,- €
430,- €
360,- €
310,- €
290,- €
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
PROGRAM
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 our equipment and take a taxi through the long valley, framed by steep slopes, to the material cable car of the Kürsingerhütte. From here we continue on foot to the hut in about 2 to 2.5 hours. The approach is intentionally kept manageable – just right for arriving in a relaxed way, taking in the surroundings, and getting into the mood for the next day.
Walking time: 2 h | ↑ 650 m
⌂ Kürsingerhütte (2,558 m)
Day 2: Großvenediger summit day
The next morning we set off early towards the glacier. Once we reach the snout of the Venedigerkees, we rope up and ascend as a rope team to the Venedigerscharte. Here, the view opens southwards 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 top. As a finale, a short snow arête leads us to the highest point of Großvenediger. After a summit break, we begin the long descent back into the valley, where our taxi will take us from the material cable car 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 the first attempt was made on the Großvenediger. Led by Paul Rohregger, who had received the commission personally from Archduke Johann, a 17-person group set out for the summit. However, they were caught in an avalanche shortly below the summit after a difficult ascent via the north ridge, and the attempt failed. Another 13 years later, a new attempt was made: led by Ignaz von Kürsinger, an impressive 40 men set out. This time, they chose a slightly different route, ascending from the Obersulzbachtal valley via the Stierlahnerwand and the Steinkar cirque 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 September 3, 1841 – among them was Paul Rohregger, who had been seriously injured in an avalanche during the first attempt 13 years earlier.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - (FAQs)
Is the tour on Großvenediger suitable for beginners?
Yes, fundamentally it is. Großvenediger is considered an easy alpine tour and is a very good objective for anyone wanting to gain their first experience on a glacier. However, you should bring good basic fitness and sure-footedness.
How demanding is the summit day?
The second day is long and strenuous. In particular, the ascent across the Venedigerkees, the crevasse zones, and the short snow arête to the summit require stamina and concentration. Precisely because the tour is considered forgiving, the character of a big glacier mountain should not be underestimated.
What equipment do I need?
You will receive the exact packing list with the confirmation email. Most important are mountain boots suitable for alpine terrain and appropriate clothing for an alpine tour. Technical equipment can be rented from the Südtiroler Bergführern for a small wear-and-tear fee.
