Location and surroundings
Krückenkopf belongs to the Central European Highlands, further categorized under the Central Uplands and the Hesse Highlands. Geographically, it lies in Germany, within the region of Hesse, under the district of Werra-Meißner-Kreis and the municipality of Bad Sooden-Allendorf. Within the Hesse Highlands, it ranks as the 169th highest of 272 named peaks. The surrounding landscape consists of rolling hills, neighboring summits, and forested slopes characteristic of the German uplands.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Krückenkopf features several nearby hills and elevations. The closest surrounding heights include:
- Roggenberg (hill), 507 m, 1.6 km N
- Hässelkuppe (hill), 513 m, 1.8 km SW
- Wickenberg (hill), 463 m, 2.6 km S
- Ellerstein (hill), 280 m, 3.0 km N
- Roßkopf (hill), 482 m, 3.1 km E
- Mittelberg (hill), 280 m, 3.1 km N
- Schnellerskopf (hill), 413 m, 3.2 km NE
- Hellenberg (hill), 377 m, 3.6 km NE
Standing at 519 metres, Krückenkopf is slightly higher than most of its immediate neighbors, such as Roggenberg at 507 metres and Hässelkuppe at 513 metres.
The view from the summit
From the higher elevations and surroundings near Krückenkopf, several prominent peaks within a 25-kilometre radius are visible. The highest peaks within this range include Meißner at 753 m, located 5.0 km S; Hirschberg at 643 m, situated 8.6 km W; Bilstein at 641 m, positioned 6.0 km W; Muhlenstein at 607 m, lying 8.0 km NW; Eisberg at 583 m, found 15.6 km SW; and Haferberg at 580 m, located 10.9 km NW. These heights shape the horizon visible from the area.
The range
The mountain range system encompassing Krückenkopf spans from the wider Central European Highlands down to the Central Uplands and the specific Hesse Highlands. Within the Hesse Highlands, there are 272 named peaks, where Krückenkopf occupies the 169th position by elevation. The highest peak of the entire Hesse Highlands is Wasserkuppe, reaching 950 metres in elevation, located 86 km S of Krückenkopf.
Climate and weather
Climate data for Krückenkopf consists of estimates from NASA POWER covering monthly means from 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in July at about 17 °C and its coldest in January at about -1 °C. Months with a mean above freezing at the summit include March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 750 mm a year, with July being the wettest month at about 80 mm and April the driest at about 40 mm.
Best time to visit
Based on temperature estimates for the summit elevation, the months with a mean above freezing—March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November—offer milder conditions for visiting Krückenkopf. July is the warmest month with a mean of about 17 °C, while January is the coldest at about -1 °C. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with an annual total of about 750 mm, peaking in July at about 80 mm and reaching its lowest in April at about 40 mm.
Nature and wildlife
The terrain around Krückenkopf and the wider Hesse Highlands features typical upland vegetation, mixed forests, and rolling green hills. Common wildlife found in the region adapts to the temperate central European climate, utilizing the wooded slopes and open areas between elevations like Roggenberg and Hässelkuppe. The natural environment supports diverse plant life typical of the Central European Highlands.
Practical tips
A walk around Krückenkopf requires basic preparation suited for an easy outing in the uplands. Sturdy footwear is recommended to handle potential mud or uneven rock, along with a windproof layer to counter conditions at the 519-metre summit. Walkers should remain aware of ticks during the warm months where they occur. In case of an emergency, the emergency number for mountain rescue and fire/rescue is 112, which alerts the Bergwacht, while the police can be reached at 110.
Interesting facts
Krückenkopf stands at an elevation of 519 metres within the municipality of Bad Sooden-Allendorf and the district of Werra-Meißner-Kreis in Hesse, Germany. It ranks 169th highest among the 272 named peaks of the Hesse Highlands. Its closest neighboring height is Roggenberg, situated 1.6 kilometres to the north at 507 metres elevation.
FAQ
How high is Krückenkopf? Krückenkopf has an elevation of 519 metres.Where is Krückenkopf located? It is located in Germany, within the state of Hesse, the district of Werra-Meißner-Kreis, and the municipality of Bad Sooden-Allendorf.
What mountain range does it belong to? It belongs to the Central European Highlands, the Central Uplands, and the Hesse Highlands.
What are the nearest peaks to Krückenkopf? The nearest peaks include Roggenberg at 1.6 km N and Hässelkuppe at 1.8 km SW.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? Mobile phone coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; however, 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.