Kleine Ochsenwand – Auckenthaler

The Auckenthaler on the Kleine Ochsenwand is a piece of Tyrolean climbing history right in the heart of the Kalkkögel. The route was first ascended in 1933 by Matthias Auckenthaler, solo and without bolts. It has since been carefully restored and is now being climbed a little more frequently – whilst retaining its classic alpine character. In just four pitches, there is a surprising amount of variety: spreading, chimney climbing and careful scrambling across slabs – here, an alpine climber can draw on a wide range of techniques. And the typical Kalkkögel rock also demands attention: not everything that looks like a good hold actually is one. After the climb, we traverse across a narrow ledge to the Alpenklubscharte. Anyone who still has the time, energy and motivation can tackle the Kleine Ochsenwand from there. After that, at the very latest, the terrace of the Adolf-Pichler-Hütte awaits – the perfect place to raise a glass to the climb and reflect once more on how Auckenthaler must have climbed this route solo over 90 years ago. If we were wearing hats, we’d take them off.