The Unterberghorn is a striking twin-peaked mountain rising between the resort towns of Kössen and Kirchdorf in Tirol, right at the edge of the Kaisergebirge range. It's the local landmark for both towns, dominating the skyline above the Großache valley with a presence far greater than its modest elevation suggests.

The mountain's rocky faces run mostly north-south, a legacy of the folding that shaped these Northern Limestone Alps, while deep ravines cut across in both directions. The eastern flank and northern ridge, by contrast, are gentle alpine pastureland, grazed and green in summer. Across the Achental valley, the Fellhorn in the Chiemgau Alps rises to almost the same height, making for a fine view from the summit. In winter the northern side becomes a lively ski area, while summer brings hikers back to the same slopes, along with paragliders and hang gliders drawn to the reliable thermals.

How to reach the summit

• Kössen or Kirchdorf in Tirol — cable car access on the north side, followed by a marked trail; time and difficulty depend on the chosen route
• Via the Unterbergalm (1278 m) — trail along the gently sloping Unterberg ridge

Practical information

• A cable car (Unterberghornbahnen) serves the north side, useful for both summer and winter visits
• The extensive Zellerinalm pasture lies on the eastern flank
• The Unterbergalm hut (1278 m) is reached by a good road, and the whole north slope is developed with ski lifts
• Much of the massif lies within the Hefferthorn-Fellhorn-Sonnenberg protected landscape area

Together with its neighbouring summit, the Hefferthorn (1735 m), the Unterberghorn forms an unmistakable double peak that has long made it a favourite launch point for paragliders and hang gliders.