Großglockner, Lammergrat

From the Franz-Josefs-Höhe, it first goes downhill - and with ongoing climate warming, the downhill section gets longer until we reach the Pasterze. Impressive on the descent are the signs indicating the respective glacier level in 10-year steps. Over the Pasterze, follow the large visual marking poles to the start of the hiking trail towards Hoffmannskees/breakfast spot. The path can change from year to year due to the very loose lateral moraines. Usually, the loose section is well marked by poles. On the Hoffmannsweg, it goes up to about 2600 m elevation. There, the valley of the Kleinglocknerkees (last possibility to refill water bottles) is crossed northwestwards to reach the start of the Lammergrat. The first ascent can still be easily bypassed, after which we initially stay more southeast (left in ascent direction) of the ridge and gain height in light (UIAA I), grassy terrain. The steepness automatically forces one onto the ridge, and from there on, it continues more or less along the ridge. Short bypasses left and right of the ridge are possible. The most difficult sections are a longer slab and a short, exposed ridge section (both UIAA II+). At about 3240 m elevation, there are two options. Either you traverse slightly right (northwest) under a snow and ice field, staying on the rock and climb the last ridge ascent (UIAA III+) to the Kleinglocknerkees. Or the last rock spur is bypassed on the left over the steep flank of the Kleinglocknerkees (about 40 degrees, approx. 150 m height).

Upon reaching the flatter basin of the Kleinglocknerkees, you can either head towards Adlersruhe or over the Glocknerleitl (often icy, 40 degrees) to the Kleinglockner (iron rods for protection), sections II. From the Kleinglockner, descend briefly to the Glocknerscharte (exposed) and then ascend to the Großglockner (sections II+).

The descent follows the ascent route to the Glocknerleitl (beware of "oncoming traffic") and then along the usually existing path to Adlersruhe. From Adlersruhe either via the Hoffmannskees to the breakfast spot and from there back to the Pasterze, where the final uphill section often feels strenuous. Alternatively, you can descend via the Salmhütte; although the final uphill here is somewhat longer, the path is more scenic and especially recommended when the Hoffmannskees is already bare. The latter is critical on descent and has caused some serious accidents.