The most beautiful 3,000-metre peaks in the Paznaun valley
Across the Paznaun valley, several impressive peaks rise above the 3,000-metre mark, from the Silvretta to the Verwall mountain ranges – among them: Bürkelkopf, Breite Krone, Grenzeckkopf, Bischofspitze, Hoher Riffler and Furgler. Those looking for an even greater challenge can conquer three 3,000-metre peaks in a single day on a guided tour starting in Galtür.
Paznaun’s 3,000-metre peaks at a glance
- 6 peaks above 3,000 metres: Bürkelkopf, Breite Krone, Grenzeckkopf, Bischofspitze, Hoher Riffler and Furgler
- Highest peak: Hoher Riffler (3,168 m)
- Ascent: cable-car-assisted; however, please keep in mind the summit area remains high-alpine terrain
- Guided day tour from Galtür: “Three 3,000-metre peaks in one day”
- Prerequisites: mountaineering experience, sure-footedness, a head for heights and good physical fitness
Why choose a 3,000-metre summit tour in the Paznaun valley?
The Silvretta, Samnaun and Verwall ranges are home to numerous peaks rising above 3,000 metres. This makes the Paznaun valley the ideal starting point for high-alpine tours, with impressive mountain scenery and views of glaciers along the way.
Mountain lifts and cable cars take care of much of the elevation gain, so you can focus on the high-alpine climb to the summit. Mountain lodges such as Jamtalhütte, Heidelberger Hütte and Edmund-Graf-Hütte make convenient bases and stopover points along the routes.
Good to know: Even with cable car assistance, the final ascent to the summit remains high-alpine terrain. If you have limited mountaineering experience, it is best to book a guided tour and tackle the route together with a qualified alpine guide.
Four routes, six summits: an overview of the 3,000-metre peaks
Whether you take a cable car, combine biking and hiking or start from a mountain lodge: There are several ways to reach the Paznaun valley’s 3,000-metre peaks. We’ve rounded up the top routes for you.
Bürkelkopf (3,030 m): the 3,000-metre peak on the Swiss border
Bürkelkopf lies on the border between Austria and Switzerland and is considered Switzerland’s northernmost 3,000-metre peak.
The tour starts in Ischgl. Take the Silvrettabahn or Fimbabahn cable car, followed by the Flimjochbahn, to reach the Flimjoch ridge at around 2,750 metres. From there, a high-alpine trail leads up to the summit cross. The descent follows the same route in the opposite direction.
Important: Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential.
Breite Krone, Grenzeckkopf and Bischofspitze: the three-peak tour
Breite Krone (3,079 m), Grenzeckkopf (3,047 m) and Bischofspitze (3,029 m) form the classic three-peak tour in the Silvretta mountain range. Breite Krone lies entirely in Switzerland, while the border between Austria and Switzerland runs across the Grenzeckkopf and Bischofspitze.
The Bike & Hike tour leads from Ischgl through the Fimbatal valley to Heidelberger Hütte lodge, where you swap your bike for hiking boots. From there, the route continues via the Kronenjoch ridge and takes in all three summits one after another.
If you’d prefer to climb Breite Krone, Grenzeckkopf and Bischofspitze as part of a group, you can join the guided day tour “Three 3,000-metre peaks in one day” starting from Galtür.
Hoher Riffler (3,168 m): the highest peak in the Verwall mountains
Hoher Riffler is the highest peak in the Verwall range and lies within the municipality of Kappl. The starting point for the summit tour is Edmund-Graf-Hütte lodge at 2,375 metres. Built in 1884, the lodge is named after mountaineer Edmund Graf.
From Kappl, you can reach the lodge via the Schmalzgrubenjoch or Kapplerjoch ridges before continuing through high-alpine terrain to the summit.
Furgler (3,004 m): scenic summit above the Paznaun valley
Furgler in the Samnaun mountain range is one of the most popular scenic summits above the Paznaun valley. The high-alpine tour starts in See, where a cable car takes you up to Medrig Alm. From there, you have two options for reaching the summit: a Bike & Hike tour or a hike via the Furglerjoch ridge.
The view: From the summit cross, sweeping views extend across the Paznaun valley.
Frequently asked questions about the Paznaun valley’s 3,000-metre peaks
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Which 3,000-metre peaks can you climb in the Paznaun valley?
The Paznaun valley is home to six impressive peaks above 3,000 metres: Bürkelkopf, Breite Krone, Grenzeckkopf, Bischofspitze, Hoher Riffler and Furgler. Breite Krone, Grenzeckkopf and Bischofspitze can even be climbed as part of a single tour.
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How difficult are the 3,000-metre peak tours in the Paznaun valley?
All routes run through high-alpine terrain and require sure-footedness, a head for heights and a good level of fitness. Mountain lifts and cable cars shorten some of the ascents, but the final approach to the summit remains challenging and can be exposed in places.
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Can I climb several 3,000-metre peaks in one day?
Yes, on the guided tour “Three 3,000-metre peaks in one day” starting from Galtür, you can climb Breite Krone, Grenzeckkopf and Bischofspitze in a single day.
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Do I need a mountain guide for the 3,000-metre peaks in the Paznaun valley?
Experienced mountaineers can tackle the routes independently. If you have limited experience in high-alpine terrain, however, a guided tour with a qualified alpine guide is recommended.
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From what age is the guided summit tour suitable?
The guided 3,000-metre summit tour in the Paznaun valley is suitable for fit hikers with mountaineering experience aged 12 and over. A minimum of two participants is required.
