Rauchkofel

From Prettau (1,475 m), follow the signs to Waldner See and trail no. 16B, ascending through meadows into the forest. East of the Wieserbach stream, at the sign for Waldner Alm, leave the forest road and continue straight up on the old footpath through the woods to the alpine meadows. At the crossing forest road (trail 16A), turn left and follow it up to the Waldner Alm (2,068 m; refreshments available).

From there, take trail 16B over an open mountain ridge to the Waldner See (2,338 m) — about 2.5 hours from Prettau.

From the lake, ascend pathless over grassy slopes and boulders to reach the Lausitzer Höhenweg (high trail), then turn briefly east to the col behind the Sauwipfel (2,643 m). Follow the signposted trail to Rauchkofel, ascending the steep ridge on a marked trail with stone steps in serpentines to the prominent southern spur (2,976 m).

Here, follow the arrow and markings left, descend briefly into a large basin, then climb the steep southwest flank of the mountain. The ascent continues, partly on trail traces and partly trackless, over granite scree, large boulders, and often snow or ice, leading strenuously to the summit cross (3,252 m) in about 2.5–3 hours from the Waldner See.

Descent: Return via the same route.