Hochwilde (3482 m) is a striking twin-summit peak rising exactly on the border between Austrian Tyrol and Italian South Tyrol, where the Schnalskamm and Gurgler Kamm ridges meet in the Ötztal Alps. It's a popular destination for mountaineers seeking sweeping panoramic views from a proper alpine summit.

The mountain's glaciated terrain and dramatic ridgelines give it a wild, high-alpine character, while the southern flank falls within the Texelgruppe Nature Park. Conditions change dramatically with the seasons — summer brings stable rock and snow routes, while the glacier approach demands proper alpine experience and equipment year-round.

How to reach the summit

• From Hochwildehaus (north side, Ötztal valley) — via the Gurgler Ferner glacier and the north ridge, UIAA grade I-II, glacier travel experience required
• From Stettiner Hütte (south side, via the Eisjöchl pass between Pfelderer Tal and Pfossental) — glacier-free approach on a partly cable-secured path (T4) across the eastern flank of the south ridge, following the historic Grützmacherweg to the Langtalerferner

Practical information

• The summit sits directly on the Austria-Italy border (Tyrol / South Tyrol)
• The southern route is one of the highest peaks in the Eastern Alps accessible via a maintained secured trail
• The northern approach requires glacier travel skills and basic climbing ability (UIAA I-II)

The name Hochwilde comes from local dialect usage; the variant Hohe Wilde became popular on maps for a time, but the original name has made a strong comeback in recent years.