Similaun

Description of peak:
The 3,606 (some say 3,599) metre high Similaun is an important and popular peak located in the Schnalskamm group in the southern part of the Ötztal Alps. The border mountain, which divides Austrian Tyrol from Italian South Tyrol, became known to a wider public especially after 1991, when two German hikers discovered a perfectly preserved natural mummy on its slopes, eventually named Ötzi. It is worth noting that, strictly speaking, the site is located directly below the Fineilspitze peak and is quite remote from the Similaun, but the increased tourist and geographical exposure has contributed to the general perception of the Similaun as the 'Ötzi Mountain'.

Even though it is the seventh highest peak in Austria (fifth in the Ötztal Alps) and boasts attractive geographical features, and the usual route to it often requires full glacier equipment, Similaun is rightly considered one of the easiest peaks in the Eastern Alps to reach, with a height of more than 3500 m. This is due to the comfortable Similaunhütte (Rifugio Similaun), located about two hours below the summit, and the lack of greater technical difficulty. In view of the above, Similaun represents a good opportunity for an introductory tour to the high-mountain glacier world, which is also reflected in the high level of visitation to the mountain.

The view from the summit is rich in fine weather and the eye can take in most of the key peaks of the Ötztal Alps, led by Wildspitze, Weißkugl and Hintere Schwärze, the highlights of the Otler Alps and the Bernina Group, the western flanks of Stubai Alps and the vast plains of South Tyrol.

Mountains in radius 0,5 1 1,5 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 15 20 30 km:

Webcams in radius 2 3 5 7 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 60 km:

Grawand (Schnalstaler Gletscherbahn), Grawand (Sessellift), Maso Corto / Kurzras, Rifugio Lazaunhutte, Schnals (Kurzras - Maso Corto), Schnals (Teufelsegg Bergstation), Schnalstal, Schnalstaler Gletscher, Tisenjoch - Giogo di Tisa