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Grimming
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Mountain
The Grimming is an isolated mountain massif at the eastern end of the Dachstein Mountains in Styria, reaching an elevation of 2,351 meters. Due to its solitary position and massive appearance, it was long regarded as the highest mountain in Styria ('Mons Altissimus Styriae'). The mountain is striking for its steep flanks, especially the southeastern face which drops over 1,700 meters toward the Enns Valley, making it one of the highest in the Eastern Alps. Geologically, the Grimming is composed of Dachstein limestone, which occurs here in a thick sequence of layers. The first ascent by surveyors in 1822 marked the beginning of its exploration, yet the mountain remains a challenge for climbers today due to its exposure to weather and demanding ascent routes. The Grimming is also steeped in legend because of its caves and prominent rock formations that dominate the landscape of the middle Enns Valley.
- Location: Upper Austria, Austria
- Top sights: Burgruine Wolkenstein · Burgruine Oberstainach · Pürglitzschanze
- Nearby: Liezen (10 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 | -5 | -5 | -1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 1 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 82 | 67 | 81 | 75 | 140 | 167 | 177 | 175 | 132 | 96 | 73 | 76 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The imposing base of this freestanding mountain massif is generally reached via the local connecting roads winding through the green Enns Valley in Styria. The steep ascent routes mostly begin in the tiny villages that nestle directly against the lower rocky slopes of the enormous mountain.
Best season
Because of its extreme ruggedness and alpine harshness, the Grimming is usually only safely summited by mountaineers during midsummer and very early autumn. Stubborn snow and ice remnants can linger in the dark gullies well into June, making early season ascents very risky and dangerous.
Terrain & paths
This massive formation is widely notorious for its steep, extremely rocky, and unforgiving landscape, requiring light climbing and an absolute head for heights in many sections. There are no simple hiking trails here, but exclusively demanding high-alpine routes meant for very experienced climbers.
What to bring
Heavy mountain boots, a solid rockfall helmet, and a highly reliable layering system for clothing are absolutely mandatory for any serious climbing attempt. Mountaineers must also carry a large amount of water, as there are typically no natural springs existing on the bare, exposed rock faces.
Parking
Small and entirely unpaved parking options are mostly available right at the very foot of the huge mountain near the connecting roads of the Enns Valley. Because the parking spaces are rustic and highly limited, experienced alpinists often arrive at the starting point even before the first crack of dawn.
Safety
The Grimming is an extremely unforgiving mountain where rapid weather changes, extreme exposure, and the latent risk of rockfall present omnipresent threats. Only individuals with extensive alpine experience and flawless physical fitness should ever seriously consider a complete summit ascent.
Time needed
Conquering this massive and forbidding block of rock is a physically very exhausting endeavor that undoubtedly consumes a long, grueling full day. Mountaineers generally calculate between ten and fourteen painful hours for the entire round trip, entirely depending on the precise route selection.
Geography
Facts
- The Grimming stands at 2,351 meters and is isolated in the Enns Valley.
- For a long time, it was considered the highest mountain in Styria.
- The southeastern face is one of the highest in the Eastern Alps at 1,700 m.
- The first recorded ascent took place in the year 1822.
- Geologically, the mountain is part of the Dachstein limestone massif.
- A mountain rescue service hut is located directly on the summit.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Grimming (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Grimming so special?
It is considered one of the most powerful, isolated mountain massifs in the Alps.
How high is it?
The summit is at an altitude of 2,351 meters.
Is the ascent dangerous?
Yes, it is very demanding, steep, and requires alpine experience as well as absolute freedom from vertigo.
Where do people usually start?
Popular starting points are Kulm, Trautenfels, or Klachau.
What is the Grimminghütte?
A cozy mountain hut at 966 m that serves as a base for hikes.
Grimming: where is it located?
Grimming is located in Upper Austria, Austria.
Grimming: what is there to see?
Highlights include Burgruine Wolkenstein, Burgruine Oberstainach, Pürglitzschanze.
Grimming: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Grimming: why is it worth visiting?
The Grimming is an isolated mountain massif at the eastern end of the Dachstein Mountains in Styria, reaching an elevation of 2,351 meters.
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