The Marchreisenspitze is a mountain summit in the Kalkkögel subgroup of the Stubai Alps, located in the state of Tyrol, Austria. With an elevation of 2 620 m (8 600 ft) above sea level, it ranks as the fifth‑highest peak within the Kalkkögel range.
Geography
- Location: Tyrol, Austria; coordinates 47°10′21″ N 11°18′30″ E.
- Range: Part of the Kalkkögel, themselves a subrange of the Stubai Alps.
- Prominence: Approximately 219 m (2 620 m – 2 401 m) descending to the Malgrubenscharte col.
- Isolation: About 2.2 km towards the neighboring Steingrubenkogel summit.
- Surroundings: Together with the nearby Ampferstein and Malgrubenspitze, it forms the well‑known Dreigestirn (“Three Stars”) that dominate the landscape above the Axamer Lizum ski area and are visible from across the Inn valley.
Geology
The mountain consists chiefly of main dolomite rock dating to the Norian stage of the Late Triassic period. This lithology is typical for many peaks in the Stubai Alps.
Climbing History
- First recorded ascent: 26 June 1879 by tourist Carl Gsaller.
- Typical climbing routes: The most frequented route to the summit is the Lustige Bergler Steig, a Klettersteig (via ferrata) that begins at the Halsl area, traverses the Ampferstein, and proceeds past the southern side of the Kehlbachlspitzen before reaching the south flank of the Marchreisenspitze.
- Alternative approaches include:
- The Gsallerweg via the southwest flank.
- Routes originating from the large gravel field of the Lizum or from the head of the Schlick valley to the south.
All routes are considered non‑technical in summer conditions, requiring only appropriate hiking footwear; however, sections equipped with fixed cables and ladders on the Klettersteig may necessitate a via ferrata set for safety.
Access
The summit can be approached from several trailheads:
- From Axamer Lizum: Ascents start at the Halsl area and follow marked paths to the Ampferstein before continuing to the Marchreisenspitze.
- From Schlicker Alm: A longer approach that ascends through the Malgrubenscharte, suitable for hikers seeking a more remote route.
The mountain is a popular destination for both day‑hikers and mountaineers due to its relatively easy access, panoramic views of the surrounding Stubai Alps, and the distinctive visual prominence of the Dreigestirn formation.