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Hochpfeiler

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Hochpfeiler (Italian: Gran Pilastro) is the highest mountain in the Zillertal Alps at an altitude of 3510 meters and is located directly on the state border between Austria (Tyrol) and Italy (South Tyrol). It is a dominant peak of the Zillertal main ridge and is characterized by its impressive, nearly 300-meter-high north face, which is world-famous among ice climbers. Geologically, the mountain consists of central gneiss, responsible for the strength and striking appearance of the Zillertal Alps. The first ascent was made in 1865 by Paul Grohmann, Georg Samer, and Peter Fuchs, marking the beginning of tourism development in the region. The summit is surrounded by several glaciers, including the Schlegeiskees to the north and the Gliderferner to the south, with the ice retreat also changing the landscape here. The normal route from South Tyrol leads via the Hochpfeiler Hut and is considered a demanding high-altitude tour requiring good fitness and high-alpine experience. From the summit, an overwhelming panorama unfolds, stretching from the Dolomites in the south to the Grossglockner in the east. The Hochpfeiler is not only a symbol of alpine challenge but also an important point for weather observation in the Central Alps.

Location: Tyrol, Austria
Top sights: PfitscherJoch grenzenlos · Pfitscher Grat · Hochsteller
Nearby: Tux (15 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-9	-9	-5	1	6	10	11	11	7	3	-2	-7
Rain mm	58	48	63	78	123	148	153	165	106	88	75	61

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reaching this prominent Zillertal Alps peak typically requires driving deep into the Tyrolean alpine valleys to find the highest possible trailheads. From there, long and demanding approach trails lead up towards the high-altitude terrain.

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Best season

The window for a safe ascent without full winter gear is usually restricted to late summer, typically between July and September. Outside this brief period, the mountain experiences severe winter conditions requiring extreme mountaineering expertise.

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Terrain & paths

As the highest point in the region, the terrain features steep rock faces, exposed ridges, and potential glacial crossings. The final push to the 3,509-meter summit involves navigating loose scree and demanding high alpine environments.

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What to bring

Extreme high-alpine equipment is generally mandatory, including rigid mountaineering boots, a helmet, and often an ice axe and crampons. Comprehensive thermal layers and emergency bivouac gear should always be part of the standard pack.

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Parking

Mountaineers generally leave their vehicles at the designated high-valley parking areas or near the alpine toll road terminuses. Given the long ascent, arriving before dawn is a standard practice to secure a spot and start early.

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Safety

At an elevation of 3,509 meters, altitude sickness becomes a realistic risk alongside rapid and violent weather changes. Crevasses on glacial remnants and rockfall in steep gullies demand constant vigilance and proper safety protocols.

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Time needed

A successful summit bid is typically a highly exhausting multi-day endeavor, often involving an overnight stay at a high-altitude refuge. Extremely fit climbers might attempt it in one very long day, starting well before sunrise.

Geography

Coordinates

47.01670, 11.70000

Facts

The Hochpfeiler is 3510 meters high, the tallest in the Zillertal Alps.
The first ascent took place on July 24, 1865.
The north face is a classic ice climb with a gradient of up to 55 degrees.
The summit is located exactly on the border between Tyrol and South Tyrol.
The Hochpfeiler Hut on the South Tyrolean side is situated at 2710 meters.
Geologically, the mountain belongs to the Tauern Window made of central gneiss.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tux15 km · NExplore →

Mayrhofen21 km · NEExplore →

Hippach24 km · NEExplore →

Vipiteno24 km · SWExplore →

Zillertal28 km · NEExplore →

Brunico30 km · SEExplore →

Wattens31 km · NExplore →

Gerlos32 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hochpfeiler (5)

PfitscherJoch grenzenlos 🏛 museum

A museum at the Pfitscher Joch pass focusing on the alpine border region.

🌐 naturparke.tirol

Pfitscher Grat📍 landmark

A mountain peak in the Zillertal Alps located near the Hochpfeiler.

Hochsteller📍 landmark

A prominent mountain peak in the alpine Hochpfeiler region.

Kleiner Hochsteller📍 landmark

A smaller mountain peak located near the Hochpfeiler in the Alps.

Fotopoint Schlegeis 🌿 nature

A popular scenic viewpoint overlooking the Schlegeis reservoir.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Hochpfeiler located?

It is the highest mountain in the Zillertal Alps, located on the border between Tyrol and South Tyrol.

How high is the mountain?

The summit reaches an impressive height of 3,510 meters.

Is the ascent possible for beginners?

No, it is a challenging high-altitude tour that requires glacier equipment and alpine experience.

Is there a mountain hut nearby?

The Hochpfeilerhütte at 2,710 m is the most important base for the ascent.

What is the best ascent route?

The classic route leads from Pfitsch (South Tyrol) via the southwest ridge to the summit.

Hochpfeiler: where is it located?

Hochpfeiler is located in Tyrol, Austria.

Hochpfeiler: what is there to see?

Highlights include PfitscherJoch grenzenlos, Pfitscher Grat, Hochsteller.

Hochpfeiler: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Hochpfeiler: why is it worth visiting?

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

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