Location and surroundings
Speikwand is situated in Italy, within the Trentino – Alto Adige/Südtirol region, South Tyrol district, and the municipality of Pustertal - Val Pusteria. Geographically, it belongs to the Central European Highlands > Alps > Eastern Alps > Central Eastern Alps > Western Tauern Alps > High Tauern range hierarchy. Within the High Tauern, which spans Austria and Italy, Speikwand holds the rank of the 903rd highest of 1,431 named peaks. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the rugged terrain of the Western Tauern Alps, featuring numerous neighbouring high summits and alpine ridges.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Speikwand includes several nearby peaks and passes with specific elevations, distances, and directions:
- Zintnock (peak), 2,613 m, 0.5 km E
- Kleiner Moosstock (peak), 2,630 m, 1.2 km E
- Kleines Jöchl (peak), 2,272 m, 1.4 km W
- Rauch Kofel (peak), 2,653 m, 1.6 km N
- Klausnock (peak), 2,819 m, 1.9 km NE
- Grosser Moosstock (peak), 3,059 m, 2.0 km E
- Picco Palù (peak), 2,955 m, 2.1 km NE
- Pojenspitze (peak), 2,453 m, 2.2 km NW
Compared to these immediate neighbours, Speikwand at 2,503 metres is slightly lower than most surrounding prominent summits such as Zintnock, which serves as its nearest higher peak just 0.5 kilometres to the east, yet it towers above lower points like Kleines Jöchl and Pojenspitze.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Speikwand, climbers and visitors can observe several of the highest peaks located within a 25-kilometre radius. Prominent alpine giants in sight include Hochfeiler at 3,509 metres located 20.7 kilometres west, Dreiherrenspitze at 3,499 metres positioned 23.1 kilometres northeast, and Rötspitze standing at 3,495 metres at a distance of 18.2 kilometres northeast. Additionally, Großer Möseler reaches 3,479 metres 17.2 kilometres to the west, Collalto attains 3,436 metres 11.5 kilometres to the east, and Turnerkamp rises to 3,416 metres 15.1 kilometres to the west.
The range
Speikwand is part of the High Tauern, a major mountain range spanning across Austria and Italy. The highest peak of this entire range is the Großglockner, which reaches 3,798 metres and is located 55 kilometres east of Speikwand. The High Tauern contains 1,431 named peaks, and Speikwand ranks as the 903rd highest among them. Structurally, the range sits within the broader Central Eastern Alps, which form part of the Eastern Alps, the Alps, and the Central European Highlands.
Climate and weather
Based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data for the period between 2001 and 2020 with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation, the mean temperature at the summit of Speikwand reaches about 8 °C in the warmest month of July and drops to about -11 °C in the coldest month of January. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include May, June, July, August, and September. Precipitation in the surrounding area amounts to about 1,150 mm a year, with August being the wettest month at about 160 mm and February the driest at about 50 mm. Typical weather hazards in this high-altitude region include sudden mountain storms, high winds, rapid temperature drops, and lingering snow or ice patches.
Best time to visit
The optimal window to visit Speikwand aligns with the months that experience a mean temperature above freezing at the summit, specifically May, June, July, August, and September. During these months, conditions are generally most favorable for alpine activities, coinciding with the warmer summer period. Visitors should still monitor local conditions closely, as precipitation varies throughout the year, with August experiencing higher rainfall totals compared to the drier winter months such as February.
Nature and wildlife
The environment surrounding Speikwand at 2,503 metres is typical of high-altitude alpine terrain in the Eastern Alps. Vegetation is sparse and strictly alpine, consisting mainly of hardy grasses, mosses, lichens, and low-growing flowering plants adapted to rocky soils and cold temperatures. Wildlife in this zone includes species accustomed to high elevations, such as chamois, alpine marmots, and various predatory birds soaring over the ridges. The landscape is shaped by exposed rock, scree slopes, and seasonal snowfields.
Guides and organised ascents
For high-altitude terrain and demanding ascents in Italy, hiring a certified mountain guide is advisable, especially for less experienced visitors. Professional guiding in the country is overseen by the National College of Italian Alpine Guides (Collegio Nazionale Guide Alpine Italiane), which is a member of the IFMGA/UIAGM. Visitors looking to engage organised ascents or mountain training typically turn to national organizations such as the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) or established guiding companies operating in the region, such as Società Guide Alpine Courmayeur based in Courmayeur and Società Guide Alpine del Cervino based in Breuil-Cervinia. A guided ascent typically includes professional route planning, safety management, and technical instruction, with pricing usually depending on the number of days, group size, required hut nights, and specialized equipment.
Safety and preparation
Ascending a peak like Speikwand demands appropriate physical fitness, proper alpine gear, sturdy footwear, and vigilance regarding rapidly changing weather conditions. In the event of an emergency in the mountains, visitors should dial 112, which is the Single European emergency number (while 188 is still used in some regions), and explicitly ask for Soccorso Alpino (CNSAS), the national mountain rescue service in Italy. Carrying waterproof layers, navigation tools, and adequate provisions is essential for safety.
Interesting facts
Speikwand holds several notable geographical attributes within its range. It ranks as the 903rd highest out of 1,431 named peaks in the High Tauern. Its nearest higher peak is Zintnock, located just 0.5 kilometres to the east at an elevation of 2,613 metres. The highest peak of the entire range, the Großglockner, lies 55 kilometres away to the east.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Speikwand? Speikwand reaches an elevation of 2,503 metres.Where is Speikwand located? Speikwand is located in Italy, within the Trentino – Alto Adige/Südtirol region, South Tyrol district, and the municipality of Pustertal - Val Pusteria.
Which mountain range does Speikwand belong to? Speikwand belongs to the High Tauern range, which is part of the Western Tauern Alps, Central Eastern Alps, Eastern Alps, Alps, and Central European Highlands.
What are the nearest peaks to Speikwand? The nearest peaks include Zintnock at 0.5 km east, Kleiner Moosstock at 1.2 km east, Kleines Jöchl at 1.4 km west, and Rauch Kofel at 1.6 km north.
How does Speikwand compare to its immediate neighbours? Speikwand is 2,503 metres high, making it slightly lower than its nearest higher neighbour Zintnock (2,613 m) but taller than nearby points like Kleines Jöchl (2,272 m) and Pojenspitze (2,453 m).
Is there water on the way to Speikwand? 5 to 3 litres of water for a day trip depending on the heat and length of the excursion.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Speikwand? Coverage in high alpine terrain is patchy and depends heavily on the operator, but visitors should note that the emergency number 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and digital maps should always be downloaded before setting out.