The Saulakopf is a commanding peak of the Zimba Group in the Rätikon range, rising above the western end of the Rellstal valley with an east face over 400 metres high. Reaching 2,517 metres, it's a popular hiking destination in Austria's Vorarlberg region thanks to its accessibility and rewarding views.

The mountain has two very different faces — its southern flank is steep, rugged rock, and a jagged ridge runs west to the neighbouring Saulaköpfli (2,498 m), while the northern slope is a gentle, sweeping incline of at most 35 degrees. This friendly north side makes the summit approachable for hikers in summer and turns it into a beloved, easy ski touring route in winter. From the top, the view stretches to the Zimba, Brandner Mittagsspitze and Schafgafall, with the Lünersee glinting below.

How to reach the summit

• Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte (1,766 m) — standard route via the Kanzlatäli, about 2 hours, easy
• Saulajoch — the Saulakopfsteig path with sections of cable protection, about 2.5 hours from the hut, moderate

Practical information

• The Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte (1,766 m) above the Rellstal serves as the main base for the climb
• The Douglasshütte (1,973 m) on the northern shore of the Lünersee is an alternative starting point
• Since June 2007 a via ferrata (grade C/D) has run through the east face and southeast ridge to the summit
• Classic alpine climbing routes up the east face range from UIAA grade II to V-

Interestingly, the east face was first climbed in 1920 by P. Wisiol, Miss Martinek and E. Mathies, though the exact date of the first ascent of the summit itself remains unrecorded.