Similaun

The Similaun is a mountain situated between Italy and Austria.

Along the chine of the Val Senales in the Ötztal Alps, there is the 3,599 m high Similaun, a mountain that is covered by ice which is situated on the border of Austria and Italy.
The first ascent of the Similaun took place in 1834, Theodor Kaserer and Josef Raffeiner were the first to scale this mountain.

The Similaun is above all well known due to the Iceman, who was found on the “Tisenjoch” (3,210 m) in 1991. As the Similaun belongs to two national territories, first it was not sure whether the Iceman should be awarded to Italy or Austria. However, on the place of discovery, there has been established a memorial.

The Similaun is one of the classic mountains of the Ötztal Alps. Ascending from South Tyrol, the route starts from Lago di Vernago and leads to the Rifugio Similaun. From this refuge the route proceeds on coarse gravel, until reaching the exposed and steep summit ridge. High alpine equipment as well as rope partners are a must due to crevasses.