Location and surroundings
Glatthorn belongs to the broad chain of the Central European Highlands, the Alps, the Eastern Alps, the Northeastern Alps, the Bavarian Alps, and finally the Bregenz Forest Mountains. It is in Austria, in Vorarlberg, within the municipality of Fontanella and Bezirk Bludenz. At 2,133 m, it is the highest of the 242 named peaks in the Bregenz Forest Mountains and the range’s high point.
The mountain rises above the alpine terrain west of the Faschinajoch, with slopes that connect the Damüls side in the north and the Großwalsertal side in the south. The area is a typical high alpine ridge landscape with passes, side summits, and open slopes rather than broad plateaus. Its prominence of 647 m shows that it rises well above the surrounding cols and valleys.
Neighbouring peaks
The closest named peaks and passes around Glatthorn help define its position on the ridge. Nearby summits include:
- Türtschhorn — 2,096 m, 0.9 km south
- Damülser Horn — 1,929 m, 1.0 km northwest
- Hahnenkopf — 1,775 m, 1.6 km northeast
- Faschinajoch — 1,486 m, 2.2 km east
- Pfrondhorn — 1,949 m, 2.8 km west
- Portlerkopf — 1,905 m, 3.2 km northwest
- Sererfalben — 1,890 m, 3.3 km west
- Zafernhorn — 2,107 m, 3.5 km east
Among these, Türtschhorn is the nearest and almost as high, while Zafernhorn is slightly lower but close enough to form part of the same mountain setting. Glatthorn is the highest point in this cluster and the most prominent summit in the immediate area.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks are the main reference points from Glatthorn. To the southeast lies Rote Wand at 2,703 m, 11.8 km away, and farther southeast is Obere Wildgruben Spitze at 2,753 m, 21.7 km away. These are the major high summits in the wider skyline.
Because Glatthorn is lower than those peaks, the summit view is more about reading the surrounding ridge system than about dominating the whole region. The nearby higher mountains lie to the southeast, while the closer Bregenz Forest summits and passes shape the immediate panorama.
The range
Glatthorn is the highest peak of the Bregenz Forest Mountains, which are listed as having 242 named peaks. The range’s high point is therefore this mountain itself, and it ranks first by elevation within the group. In the wider mountain hierarchy, the Bregenz Forest Mountains sit within the Alps of western Austria.
The range is described in different classifications in different ways, but the practical point for visitors is simple: Glatthorn is the top summit of the Bregenz Forest Mountains and a key reference peak for the area around Faschinajoch, Damüls, and Fontanella.
Climbing routes
Marked ascent options lead to Glatthorn from several sides. A common approach starts from the north side in the Faschina-Fontanella ski area, where a flower education trail reaches the Schluchtensattel. From there, the route becomes steep and is partly secured with wire ropes; it is described as T3 in SAC terms. Other marked variants also start from Faschinajoch.
Additional approaches are mentioned from Fontanella and Fatnellaalpe in the south, and from Oberdamüls via the actual Damülser Horn side in the north. A high-level path also runs in the west flank above the Ladritschtobel.
Access and starting points
The mountain is usually approached from the Damüls and Fontanella area, with the Faschinajoch acting as an important access point. The north flank is linked to the Faschina-Fontanella ski area, now part of the larger Faschina-Damüls-Mellau ski area. From there, marked paths lead toward the summit terrain.
On the south side, Fontanella and Fatnellaalpe are named as starting points, while Oberdamüls provides access from the north. The mountain sits above a well-used alpine pass landscape, so approaches are tied to local roads and mountain paths rather than to a single isolated trailhead.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold for much of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 9 °C, while January is the coldest month, at about -6 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are expected from April through October.
In the surrounding area, annual precipitation is about 1,400 mm. August is the wettest month at about 175 mm, and February is the driest at about 75 mm. Typical hazards in this part of the Alps include rapid weather changes, wet rock, fog on ridges, and snow or ice lingering on shaded slopes well into spring.
Best time to visit
For a summit climb, the most practical months are usually the period when temperatures are above freezing at the top: April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. In this elevation band, summer and early autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for hiking and easier route-finding.
Even then, the mountain can be wet and changeable, especially in the more humid late-summer period. Earlier in the season, snow patches may remain on steeper sections, and in autumn the days shorten quickly. A stable forecast matters more than the calendar alone.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes around Glatthorn are part of the alpine belt of the Vorarlberg mountains, with grassland, rocky ridges, and higher-elevation pasture and scree. Lower down, mountain forest gives way to open slopes and subalpine meadows. In summer, the area can support typical alpine flowers, while higher sections are more exposed and sparse.
Wildlife in this region can include chamois, marmots, alpine birds, and other animals adapted to steep terrain and seasonal snow. The north side is also influenced by ski-area infrastructure, but the summit itself remains a mountain environment shaped mainly by weather, slope angle, and elevation.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Glatthorn, a certified guide is not always necessary in settled summer conditions, but it can be useful if snow, poor visibility, or unfamiliar route-finding are involved. In Austria, the main professional body is the Association of Austrian Mountain and Ski Guides, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Austrian Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies working in Austria include ASI Reisen in Innsbruck and the Kalser Bergführerverein in Kals am Großglockner. Guided outings usually depend on the length of the tour, group size, hut nights if any, and whether technical equipment is needed. For local planning, visitors commonly also check tourist offices in Damüls and Fontanella.
Safety and preparation
Glatthorn is a moderate alpine peak, but the terrain can still demand sure footing, route awareness, and good weather judgment. Steep sections, exposed ridges, and wet or snowy ground can make the climb harder than the elevation alone suggests. Sturdy mountain shoes, layered clothing, and enough water are sensible basics.
For mountain rescue in Austria, the emergency number is 140; 112 also works. Because weather can change quickly in the Bregenz Forest Mountains, it is wise to start early, carry a map or offline navigation, and turn back if the route becomes slippery or visibility drops.
History and name
The name Glatthorn refers to the shape of the mountain’s flanks. Older maps and older literature also used Damülser Horn, a name that is now less common. The mountain is also described as forming a clear double summit with the nearby Türtschhorn to the south.
In regional mountain literature, the boundary between the Bregenz Forest Mountains and the Lechquellen Mountains has been placed differently, which is why the mountain has sometimes been classified in different ways. In practical terms, however, Glatthorn is firmly associated with the Damüls–Fontanella area and the high ridge above Faschinajoch.
Interesting facts
Glatthorn is the highest of the 242 named peaks in the Bregenz Forest Mountains, and its prominence of 647 m makes it stand out clearly from nearby summits. The nearest higher major peaks in the wider area are far to the southeast, including Rote Wand and Obere Wildgruben Spitze.
The mountain also has a border-like character in regional classification discussions, because it sits near the transition between different Alpine groupings around Faschinajoch. For visitors, that means it is both a local high point and a useful reference summit for the surrounding ridge network.
FAQ
How high is Glatthorn? It rises to 2,133 m.
Where is Glatthorn? It is in Vorarlberg, Austria, in the municipality of Fontanella and Bezirk Bludenz, west of Faschinajoch.
What range does Glatthorn belong to? It is part of the Bregenz Forest Mountains, where it is the highest peak.
Which peaks are closest to Glatthorn? The nearest named summit is Türtschhorn, 0.9 km to the south. Other close neighbours include Damülser Horn, Hahnenkopf, and Zafernhorn.
Is there water on the way to Glatthorn? On the mountain itself, plan as if you must carry your own supply. In summer, a day hike usually calls for about 1.5 to 3 litres, depending on heat and route length.
How long does it take to climb Glatthorn? The real ascent may take longer if the path is wet or if you start from a lower point.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable on Glatthorn? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; on open ridges it is often better than in valleys or behind slopes. Always download maps before setting out, and remember that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.