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Piz Buin
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At 3,312 meters, Piz Buin is the highest summit of the Silvretta Group on Austrian soil and the highest mountain in the state of Vorarlberg. It is situated directly on the border between Austria and Switzerland and is easily recognizable by its striking, pyramid-like shape. The name originates from Romansh and translates to 'Ox Peak.' Geologically, Piz Buin belongs to the Silvretta nappe and consists mainly of crystalline rocks such as gneiss. The first ascent took place on July 14, 1865, achieved by Anton Schoder, Josef Anton Specht, and mountain guides Jakob and Melchior Anderegg, occurring in the same year as the first ascent of the Matterhorn. The mountain is surrounded by several glaciers, including the Ochsentaler Glacier, which forms the classic approach to the summit. Today, Piz Buin is a popular destination for high-altitude hikers and ski mountaineers, while its name gained global fame through a well-known sunscreen brand.
- Location: Vorarlberg, Austria
- Top sights: Vermuntkopf · Silvrettahorn · Piz Buin
- Nearby: Gaschurn (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 3 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 93 | 70 | 90 | 88 | 146 | 170 | 167 | 184 | 122 | 101 | 90 | 93 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Approaches usually begin from the high-altitude reservoirs in the Silvretta area, reached via toll alpine roads that take visitors deep into the dramatic mountain range.
Best season
Ascents are strictly limited to the height of summer for regular hiking and climbing, while the spring months are generally preferred for specialized ski touring.
Terrain & paths
This is a highly challenging high-alpine environment, featuring deep crevasses, steep glacial ice, and exposed rocky ridges that demand technical mountaineering skills.
What to bring
Full technical glacier equipment is completely mandatory, including crampons, ice axes, ropes, and severe-weather alpine clothing to survive the extreme altitudes.
Parking
Vehicles are normally left at the large parking facilities provided near the main reservoir dams, which serve as the definitive starting point for most expeditions.
Safety
The high risk of sudden weather changes, hidden glacial crevasses, and sheer drops means that hiring a certified local mountain guide is very strongly recommended.
Time needed
Scaling the peak and navigating the glaciers requires a very exhausting full-day effort of at least ten to twelve hours, usually beginning well before sunrise.
Geography
Facts
- At 3,312 meters, Piz Buin is the highest point in Vorarlberg.
- The name is Romansh for 'Ox Peak' (Ochsenspitze).
- The first recorded ascent occurred on July 14, 1865.
- The mountain marks the international border between Austria and Switzerland.
- The Ochsentaler Glacier is located on the north side of the mountain.
- The Silvretta High Alpine Road offers iconic views of the massif.
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 Piz Buin (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Piz Buin?
It is 3,312 meters high and the highest mountain in the federal state of Vorarlberg.
Where does the name Piz Buin come from?
The name originates from Romansh and means 'Ox Peak'.
Which hut serves as a base?
The Wiesbadener Hütte is the classic starting point for an ascent.
Do you have to cross a glacier?
Yes, the normal route leads across the Ochsental Glacier to the summit structure.
Who was the first person to climb it?
The first ascent was achieved in 1865 by Josef Anton Specht and Johann Jakob Weilenmann.
Piz Buin: where is it located?
Piz Buin is located in Vorarlberg, Austria.
Piz Buin: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vermuntkopf, Silvrettahorn, Piz Buin.
Piz Buin: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Piz Buin: why is it worth visiting?
At 3,312 meters, Piz Buin is the highest summit of the Silvretta Group on Austrian soil and the highest mountain in the state of Vorarlberg.
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