Dreiherrnspitze (3499 m) is a striking summit in the Venediger Group of the Hohe Tauern, rising well above all its neighbours and marking the meeting point of three regions - Salzburg, East Tyrol and South Tyrol. Standing exactly on the Austrian-Italian border, it's also a rare hydrological triple point, sending water toward both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Glaciers surround the mountain on every side - the crevassed Krimmler Kees to the north, the Umbalkees stretching across the east and south, and the Lahner Kees climbing right up to the summit region on the west. The northeast face, 450 metres high and partly icy with slopes over 60°, is an impressive sight even from a distance. Every route to the top crosses glaciated terrain, making this a genuine high-altitude tour rather than a simple hike.

How to reach the summit

• Lenkjöchlhütte (South Tyrol) — via the Hinteres Umballtörl (2849 m) and the Althauskees glacier, about 4-5 hours, demanding high-alpine route
• Birnlückenhütte — via the Lahnerscharte and Lahnerkees glacier, with a steep, often icy rock section usually tackled on the descent
• Clarahütte (East Tyrol) — the easiest approach, over the Umbalkees glacier and the southwest ridge, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours

Practical information

• All routes cross glaciers - proper mountaineering equipment and glacier experience are essential
• The summit sits directly on the Austrian-Italian border, established in 1920
• The northeast face offers technical climbing (UIAA III-V+) but is heavily exposed to rockfall

The first documented ascent was made on 2 November 1866, and the mountain's name recalls the medieval era when the territories of three rulers once met right at this summit.