Location and surroundings
Rettelkirchspitze belongs to the chain Central European Highlands > Alps > Eastern Alps > Central Eastern Alps > Eastern Tauern Alps > Rottenmann and Wölz Tauern. It is in Austria, in Styria, within the municipality of Sankt Peter am Kammersberg and the district of Bezirk Murau. The summit area sits in a high alpine ridge landscape with steep slopes, rocky crests and narrow saddles. At 2,475 m, it is the highest mountain in the range and a major point in the local skyline.
Neighbouring peaks
- Keinhart — 2,137 m, 1.1 km NW
- Hochstubofen — 2,385 m, 1.4 km NW
- Haseneckscharte — 2,205 m, 1.8 km NW
- Narrenspitze — 2,336 m, 2.1 km W
- Greim — 2,474 m, 2.3 km SE
- Melleck — 2,365 m, 2.5 km N
- Hornfeldspitze — 2,277 m, 2.9 km W
- Bernkadlereck — 1,609 m, 3.1 km E
Rettelkirchspitze is close to several higher and lower neighbours, but only Greim comes almost level with it in height. The nearby passes and ridges show that this is a compact alpine area, where short distances can still involve steep terrain and exposed crossings.
The view from the summit
From the summit, the main distant high points within 25 km are part of the broader Tauern landscape. To the west lie Hochwildstelle (2,747 m, 23.9 km), Roteck (2,742 m, 21.2 km), Waldhorn (2,702 m, 23.7 km) and Deichselspitze (2,684 m, 23.1 km). Also visible in the wider arc are Großer Knallstein (2,599 m, 13.3 km NW) and Rupprechtseck (2,591 m, 9.8 km W). These peaks define the broader alpine horizon around the mountain.
The range
Rettelkirchspitze is the high point of the Rottenmann and Wölz Tauern, a subrange of the Eastern Tauern Alps. The range’s highest peak is therefore this mountain itself, and it ranks first among its 296 named peaks. The range lies in Austria, and the mountain’s prominence of 687 m underlines its independence within the local ridge system. In the wider Tauern setting, it is a key summit of the eastern Styrian mountains.
Climbing routes
The usual approaches are alpine hikes rather than technical climbs, but they still require sure footing and mountain experience. One route starts from the Neunkirchner Hütte and goes west on trail 909 toward Haseneckscharte, then up a steep section to the Funklböden on trail 928. From the Funklscharte, the route follows the east ridge on marked trail 928A to the summit, taking about 3 hours. A second route goes via Rocklscharte and the long, blocky northwest ridge, taking 3 to 3.5 hours.
Access and starting points
The mountain is reached from the Eselsbergtal, with the Neunkirchner Hütte about 2 km northeast of the summit area serving as the most practical starting point. The approach lies in the area of Sankt Peter am Kammersberg, roughly 9 km north-northwest of the village centre. Another longer access to the northwest ridge begins from the north side of the road over the Sölkpass. In practice, the access is a mountain approach rather than a road-to-summit outing.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data. At the summit, the mean temperature is about -9 °C in January, -8 °C in February, -5 °C in March, -1 °C in April, 2 °C in May, 5 °C in June, 7 °C in July, 7 °C in August, 3 °C in September, 0 °C in October, -4 °C in November and -7 °C in December. The wettest months around the mountain are July and August at about 165 mm each; the driest is February at about 60 mm. Annual precipitation is about 1,250 mm. Expect rapid weather changes, summer thunderstorms, wind, and lingering snow on exposed ground.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are May, June, July, August and September. For most hikers, this is the main season for a visit, with the most reliable conditions usually coming in the earlier part of summer and again in early autumn. Even then, the mountain can hold snow in shaded gullies and on the ridges after cold spells, so a stable forecast matters more than the calendar alone.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in a high alpine part of the Wölz Tauern, where forests give way to subalpine grass, dwarf shrubs, scree and bare rock. Above the treeline, vegetation becomes sparse and patchy, with hardy alpine plants in sheltered pockets and on less exposed slopes. Wildlife in this part of the Alps can include chamois, marmots, alpine birds and other species adapted to cold, windy terrain. In summer, the slopes are usually greener lower down, while the summit area remains rocky and open.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain of this height and terrain, a certified guide is sensible if you are unsure about route finding, exposed ridges or changing alpine weather. In the Alps, look for an IFMGA/UIAGM-certified mountain guide through the national mountain guide association or local tourist offices in places such as Sankt Peter am Kammersberg. A guided ascent usually includes route planning, pacing, safety decisions and help with equipment choices. The cost depends on the number of days, group size, hut nights and any gear you need.
Safety and preparation
Rettelkirchspitze is not a technical peak, but it is a real alpine outing. Expect steep ground, loose blocks, ridge walking and sections where a slip would matter. Good boots, weatherproof clothing, map or GPS, and enough food and water are essential. Start early, because afternoon storms are common in summer and the summit area is exposed. Snowfields can linger well into the season, especially on shaded slopes, so an ice axe or crampons may be needed if conditions are still wintry.
History and name
The name is linked to the reddish colour of the rock: the first part, rettel, refers to red or reddish stone. The second part, kirch, points to a solitary rocky mountain. Older guidebooks used Keinhart instead of the official name, and some authors noted that Rettlkirchspitze would more properly fit the eastern subpeak. The mountain is also known by the spellings Rötelkirchspitze and Rettlkirchspitze.
Interesting facts
Rettelkirchspitze is the highest mountain in the Rottenmann and Wölz Tauern and the highest of 296 named peaks in that range. Its prominence is 687 m, which shows that it rises clearly above the surrounding terrain. The nearest almost equally high neighbour is Greim at 2,474 m, only 1 m lower and 2.3 km away to the SE. The range high point is the mountain itself, so it is both a local summit and the defining peak of its subrange.
FAQ
How high is Rettelkirchspitze? It reaches 2,475 m.
Where is Rettelkirchspitze? It is in Styria, Austria, in the municipality of Sankt Peter am Kammersberg and Bezirk Murau.
What mountain range does it belong to? It is part of the Rottenmann and Wölz Tauern in the Eastern Tauern Alps.
What are the nearest peaks? Nearby are Keinhart, Hochstubofen, Narrenspitze, Greim and Melleck, all within a few kilometres.
Is there water on the way to Rettelkirchspitze? On the ridge routes, do not count on reliable water. Carry about 1.5 to 3 litres for a day, more in warm weather, and treat any snowmelt or runoff as untreated mountain water.
When is the best time to go? The summit is usually above freezing from May to September, which is the main hiking season.
How does it compare with nearby peaks? It is slightly higher than Greim and clearly higher than the other nearby summits listed around it.