Ackerlspitze • 2,329 m - Challenging traverse

You should make sure to bring plenty of drinks and a snack, because it takes quite a while to reach the first place to stop for refreshments in the Kaiserbachtal, the Fischbach-Alm.> As on Tour 34, we head fromGriesenau01 via theMaukalm02 to theGams-kögerl03. From there, we cross the scree slope (marked red and white, No. 35) and come upon the ruins of the Alte Ackerlhütte. We keep to the right as we ascend, descend briefly, and cross a scree field (often covered in old snow; in which case telescoping poles are helpful!) and continue ascending until we reach the rocks (marker). The rock sections that follow are secured with rings and, in some places, with iron pins, as is a gully featuring well-stepped rock. Keep to the right on the slope to reach a ledge followed by a fairly steep section (which also often has old snow), leading us back up into the rocks.After another steep rocky ascent (secured with rings), you finally reach a saddle—the Ackerlschneide ridge connecting the Ackerlspitze and Maukspitze. We keep to the left, continuing our ascent to the ridge, which we follow alternately on the right and left sides. Passing through a narrow rock gate and keeping to the left, we reach the summit cross of theAckerlspitze04, just a few meters away.The descent is very steep through the rocks; we cross a rock hollow, climb down past a large rappelling ring and a wayside shrine through rocky gullies and over steep ledges —since there are no safety anchors in place, you’ll often need to use your hands for support—traverse steep grassy slopes, and navigate slippery scree and boulder fields. In the upper section, the Fritz-Pflaum Hut, situated in the valley basin, marks the direction of descent.After the scree and rubble section ends, the route continues along a coarse gravel path—which even ascends slightly in places—in a wide arc to the left. From here, the Fritz-Pflaum Hut is no longer visible. We then come to ajunction 05 (straight ahead, the Fritz-Pflaum Hut can be reached in a few minutes); here we turn sharply right and follow the signs to the Fischbachalm (marked with the warning: “For experienced mountaineers only”).The gently descending trail leads beautifully through rocky terrain down into the Kleine Griesner Kar. We traverse gravel slopes, pass junction816b06—which leads up to the Lärchegg on the right—where a multitude of cairns have been erected. The trail now winds its way into the mountain pines, becoming steeper, rockier, and consequently more slippery. Narrow, gravelly switchbacks are followed by steep rocky steps; an iron step has been installed at a larger ledge. This is followed by another challenging scree section, which alternates between traversing to the left (across to the rocks) and to the right. After the scree sections, the trail enters the forest; the path becomes rockier and steeper, and we reach the first section secured with a rope (a thick climbing rope helps you descend a steep gully). Over more steep rock steps and slippery scree sections, the trail leads left until it reaches the cliffs. From here, the wire rope safety line begins, leading down almost to the valley floor. However, the wire ropes are partially damaged and loose and should be used with caution! On the left, an impressive cliff face comes into view, and we come upon a wide, gravel-filled gully that extends all the way down to the Kaiserbach. At a marker post, a beautiful trail leads us to the left into the forest, and shortly thereafter we come upon theKaiserbachtal Hiking Trail 07.We turn right and follow the wide hiking trail, passing theFischbachalm08 on a gentle descent back down to the starting point inGriesenau01.