Location and surroundings
Hochfeld Köpfe is classified as a peak reaching 2,030 m in height. Geographically, it belongs to a detailed range hierarchy spanning the Central European Highlands, the Alps, the Eastern Alps, the Northeastern Alps, the Northern Salzburg Alps, and finally the Berchtesgaden Alps. Within the Berchtesgaden Alps, which feature a total of 471 named peaks, Hochfeld Köpfe holds the 193rd position by elevation. The surrounding landscape features rugged terrain characteristic of Bavaria in Germany, falling under the local administration of the municipality of Schönau am Königssee within the district of Landkreis Berchtesgadener Land.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Hochfeld Köpfe includes several nearby elevations and topographic features. The nearest surrounding peaks and passes are:
- Bramersofen Kopf (peak, 2,147 m, 0.5 km SE)
- Hochsäul (peak, 2,073 m, 0.9 km NW)
- Schossen Kopf (peak, 2,107 m, 1.0 km N)
- Hint. Kragenkopf (peak, 2,143 m, 1.2 km NE)
- Wildalmriedl (peak, 2,269 m, 1.4 km SE)
- Raucheck Kogel (peak, 2,028 m, 2.5 km E)
- Paradeisköpfe (peak, 2,028 m, 2.5 km E)
- Kahlersberg (peak, 2,350 m, 2.6 km N)
Among these, the nearest higher peak is Bramersofen Kopf at 2,147 m, situated just 0.5 km to the southeast, meaning Hochfeld Köpfe stands slightly lower than several of its immediate neighbours.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Hochfeld Köpfe, several of the major giants of the region can be observed within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks within this distance include the Hochkönig at 2,941 m located 10.0 km south, the Hochseiler at 2,793 m at 8.6 km south, and the Watzmann Mittelspitze at 2,713 m positioned 10.0 km northwest. Additionally, climbers can spot the Schoberköpfe at 2,708 m 9.6 km to the southeast, the Selbhorn at 2,655 m 8.8 km to the southwest, and the Schönfeld Spitze at 2,653 m situated 9.2 km to the southwest.
The range
Hochfeld Köpfe is a part of the Berchtesgaden Alps, a mountain range that spans across Austria and Germany. This broader range contains 471 named peaks in total. The highest summit of the entire Berchtesgaden Alps is the Hochkönig, reaching 2,941 m and located 10 km south of Hochfeld Köpfe. Within this vast mountain system, Hochfeld Köpfe ranks as the 193rd highest named peak.
Climate and weather
The climate data for the summit and surrounding area are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data covering the years 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At 2,030 m, the mean temperature at the summit ranges from a warmest month in July of about 10 °C to a coldest month in January of about -7 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit during April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. In the surrounding area, precipitation reaches about 1,400 mm a year, with July being the wettest month recording about 185 mm and February the driest with about 70 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include sudden alpine storms, rapid temperature drops, and lingering snowfields at this elevation.
Best time to visit
Based on the climate data, the months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with drier conditions experienced during the winter months such as February, while summer months see significantly higher rainfall totals peaking in July. For standard alpine activities, the snow-free months spanning from late spring through early autumn offer the most accessible conditions, provided visitors monitor local forecasts carefully.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Hochfeld Köpfe is characterized by high-altitude alpine terrain within the Northern Salzburg Alps, featuring rocky outcroppings, steep slopes, and sparse alpine vegetation adapted to short growing seasons and cold winters. Wildlife in this habitat typically includes chamois, alpine marmots, mountain hares, and various raptors such as golden eagles soaring above the ridges. Lower sections feature dwarf pines and rugged grasslands before transitioning into exposed rock near the 2,030 m summit.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance in the region's mountains, the national mountain guide association in Germany is the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides (Verband Deutscher Berg- und Skiführer (VDBS)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organization. The national alpine club is the German Alpine Club (Deutscher Alpenverein, DAV). Established guiding companies operating within Germany include the DAV Summit Club based in Munich and the Bergsteigerschule Zugspitze based in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. These organizations serve as examples of where visitors usually turn for professional mountain instruction and tours. Guided ascents typically depend on factors such as the number of days, group size, hut overnight stays, and required technical equipment.
Safety and preparation
Navigating terrain at 2,030 m requires proper physical preparation, sturdy footwear, wind- and waterproof clothing, and navigation tools. Mountain weather can change drastically within hours. In the event of an emergency, the universal emergency number is 112 for fire and rescue services, through which the mountain rescue service, the Bergwacht, is alerted. The police can be reached via 110. It is vital to carry a fully charged mobile phone, though reliance solely on electronic devices should be avoided in remote alpine sectors.
Interesting facts
Hochfeld Köpfe stands as a notable peak within Germany at an elevation of 2,030 m. It holds the 193rd rank among the 471 named peaks situated in the Berchtesgaden Alps. Its closest higher neighbour is Bramersofen Kopf, which rises to 2,147 m just 0.5 km away to the southeast. Meanwhile, the ultimate high point of the entire mountain range, the Hochkönig, lies 10 km to the south at 2,941 m.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Hochfeld Köpfe? The peak stands at an elevation of 2,030 m.Where is Hochfeld Köpfe located? It is located in Germany, within the municipality of Schönau am Königssee, the district of Landkreis Berchtesgadener Land, and the region of Bavaria.
Which mountain range does the peak belong to? It belongs to the Berchtesgaden Alps, part of the Northern Salzburg Alps, Northeastern Alps, Eastern Alps, Alps, and Central European Highlands.
What are the nearest peaks to Hochfeld Köpfe? The nearest peaks include Bramersofen Kopf (2,147 m, 0.5 km SE), Hochsäul (2,073 m, 0.9 km NW), and Schossen Kopf (2,107 m, 1.0 km N).
Is there water on the way to Hochfeld Köpfe? A natural water source mapped near the summit area is a spring located 1.8 km to the northwest. Walkers should otherwise carry sufficient water—typically 1.5 to 3 litres depending on the weather conditions and length of the trip—as dependable water sources on alpine ridges can be scarce.
What is the mobile phone coverage like around Hochfeld Köpfe? OpenStreetMap records 1 mobile phone or communication mast mapped within a 10 km radius of the summit, with the nearest one situated 4.3 km to the west. While an open summit with masts in sight may offer a signal, coverage in surrounding valleys and behind ridges is often patchy and unreliable. Emergency services can be reached via 112 over any available network, and digital maps should be downloaded prior to departure.