Granatspitze

Granatspitze
The Granatspitze from the north, from the east flank of the Stubacher Sonnblick
Highest point
Elevation	3,086 m (AA) (10,125 ft)
Prominence	116 m ↓ Granatscharte
Isolation	0.85 km → Stubacher Sonnblick
Coordinates	47°07′29″N 12°35′31″E
Geography
Granatspitze on the border of East Tyrol and Salzburg, Austria
Parent range	High Tauern, Granatspitze Group
Climbing
Normal route	East Ridge (Ostgrat) from Rudolfs Hut (II-)

The Granatspitze (3,086 m (AA)) is the mountain giving its name to the Granatspitze Group in the High Tauern, the Alpine backbone of Austria. This, despite the fact that several peaks in this group are actually higher, for example the Stubacher Sonnblick which is less than a kilometre to the north and two metres higher. But, unlike, its oft-climbed neighbour, the Granatspitze is more rarely frequented due to the level of difficulty of the ascent. The steep summit block of this striking peak is made of granite.

Ascent

The easiest ascent runs from Rudolfs Hut initially westwards towards the notch of the Granatscharte, turning south in front of it to continue along the East Ridge (Ostgrat) to the summit. This route takes about 3 hours and has a climbing grade of II-. Another option is offered by the North Ridge (Nordgrat) with its several pinnacles or rock towers (Grattürme), but this is more difficult, albeit still II-. The South Ridge is also an option, especially from the East Tyrolean side. This can be reached from the Karl Fürst Hut, an emergency shelter west of the Stubacher Sonnblick, crossing the Prägratkees glacier, which has several difficult crevasses at the notch of Untere Keeswinkelscharte (II-).

Sources and maps

• Geord Zlöbl: Die Dreitausender Osttirols im Nationalpark Hohe Tauern. Verlag Grafik Zloebl, Lienz-Tristach 2005, ISBN 3-200-00428-2
• Alpine Club map sheet 39, 1:25.000, Granatspitzgruppe. Österreichischer Alpenverein, 2002, ISBN 3-928777-75-0