Technical difficulty: 9/10 (up to 3 UIAA, C grade Vie Ferrata)
Fitness: 6/10
Objective danger: 7/10
Landscape: 8/10
Busy: 2/10

One of the technical Innsbruck classic scrambles on the south ridge of Brandjochspitze.

Starting point: Seegrube
Ending point: Seegrube
Length: 10km
Vertical: 1000m
Speed: More than half of the route is in a light climbing terrain (ie. requires using hands) so adjust your planned pace accordingly.

WARNNING!: Do not attempt by bad weather or when snow still lays en-route.

Route:

The Brandjochspitze South Ridge is a classic scramble route that offers a unique blend of light climbing, exposure, and breathtaking views over the city of Innsbruck. This route is a right of passage for local folks and a very accessible adventure close to the city.

Our journey begins and ends at the Seegrube, the middle station of the Nordkette cable car. This convenient starting point makes the route easily accessible, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead (you can also start from the city itself and add 1000 vertical meters the trip). From Seegrube, follow one of the marked trails heading west towards Brandjochboden. There are a few options here, each taking you a few hundred vertical meters above the next.

Upon reaching Brandjochboden, turn right and begin your steep ascent towards Brandjochkreuz (2268m). This cross marks the start of the more challenging part of the route. Here, you might be lucky enough to spot a herd of ibexes, adding a touch of wildlife to your adventure.

Once you reach the cross, you leave the marked trails behind and continue along the ridge towards the summit. Most of the route consists some relatively easy scrambling. Faint trodden trails and cairns guide your way, but it's important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

There are three more challenging points along the route.
1. The first is a small chimney that requires a downclimb, rated at about II+ UIAA.
2. The second is a 25-meter rock chimney, rated at about III UIAA, with a significant amount of exposure.
3. The third is a small jump between rocks (maybe 1m).
These sections add a touch of thrill to the route, but they are also points where you need to stop, consider your options, and make an intentional choice before proceeding. All the harder sections are well visible before committing.

Upon reaching the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views that stretch out in all directions. Take a moment to rest, enjoy the scenery, and savor the sense of accomplishment.

The descent from the summit takes you along a marked trail towards the Frau Hitt rock formation. This part of the route is secured with ropes. From the Frau Hitt, you can choose to descend and connect back to one of the trails you started on, leading you back to Seegrube. Alternatively, if you're up for a longer adventure, you can continue along the ridge on the Innsbruck Via Ferrata.

The Brandjochspitze South Ridge is a true classic and a must-do if you are visiting Innsbruck!

Tip:
Kaiserchmarn at Seegrube is an excellent way to end the day.