Three kilometres south west, before the town of Kartitsch, is the somewhat inconspicuous Hollbrucker Spitze (2581m). In winter it is best to access this via the valley of the same name, which starts in the hamlet of Hollbruck (1360m). The short rocky summit ridge which also follows the summer trail should only be tackled if you are surefooted and is not to be underestimated. Just before the church in Hollbruck, which can be seen from quite a distance, yellow signposts, just opposite Gästehaus Hofer, guide us along the cross-country slope into the densely forested Hollbrucker Tal. After a bit more than two kilometres and when there is enough snow, we leave the forest trail in a bend (signposts) and head across the river to get to the summer trail which takes us to the left, proceeding romantically through a forest, up to Ochsenboden (1920 m). When there is not much snow we keep to the forest trail which is however a good kilometre longer. From the previously mentioned plateau we now keep west, heading to the sunny slopes (south east, 30°) beneath our tour destination. In several serpentines we proceed up to 2300m to get to flat terrain again. There is an option to make a direct ascent here which is steep and proceeds via the short slopes (east 30°) in a wide ridge saddle to the south of the rocky summit ridge. The more leisurely variant uses the trough system to get up to the main ridge and gets to the summit ridge from the south via a wide pre-summit, which, according to the map is the actual Hollbrucker Spitze, a worthwhile alternative for the ‘summit shy’! From the ski storage area depot, which can differ depending on ability level and conditions, a summer trail takes us in a few exposed, yet straightforward climbing sections, up to the highest point which has a small wooden cross. Take care when there is a build-up of ice and cornices.
Those who are less proficient should take the requisite safety precautions! When the snow conditions are safe there are a variety of ways to get into Hollbrucker Tal to avoid the heading back via the ridge section.
