Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Altitude: about 2,800 meters
Total ascent time: about 10.5 hours
Icy glaciers dominate the view of the Großvenediger, the main peak of the Venediger Group (High Tauern) and one of the highest mountains in Austria. The myth that one can see as far as distant Venice from its summit has never been confirmed by any climber. A more plausible theory is that Venetian merchants marched along this route towards the south in ancient times.
Even long before that, there were already several attempts to reach the summit. Archduke Johann also belonged to this illustrious group, but failed in the attempt. Now it's up to you to do better...
Keep in mind that this undertaking requires a good amount of time and is designed for two days. It's not a bad idea to make a stop at a hut and set up your overnight camp there.
The tour starts at the Hopffeldboden parking lot in the Obersulzbachtal. Look out for the forest road, as this is the path to follow. After passing several alpine pastures, you will reach the Postalm after about two hours of walking. Also, leave the next hut, the Bergwachthütte, behind you. When you see the material cable car in front of you, then you are on the right track. Then continue to follow the course of the stream. You will reach an idyllically beautiful glacier lake (not very large), where in ancient times a Turkish tent city is said to have stood. Follow the course of the lake to the other end.
You will hike along the designated path over the Obersulzbachkees. After a short, rapid descent, you will reach your destination, the Kürsinger Hütte, an Alpine Club hut. You have been on the trail for 6 hours and deserve a well-earned break. Overnight accommodation is also not a problem here, as the rustic but charming hut has a dormitory for several sleepyheads, but also private rooms with heated showers and hot water, as well as a small but fine food and drink menu.
Well-rested, you will follow the summer path the next day, heading towards the glacier and over steep slopes towards Obersulzbachtörl. Once you have reached the Schwarze Hörndl, head southeast and tackle the Venedigerscharte. The route starts off easy but becomes increasingly steeper. Along the mountain shoulder, you will work your way to the summit, eventually passing a narrow ridge where it may be necessary to remove your skis. However, at the end, the summit cross awaits you at an altitude of about 3,660 meters. This second part of the tour - from the Kürsinger Hütte - will take about 4.5 hours.
For the descent, follow the route of the previous ascent back. But be sure to keep a watchful eye, as the danger of crevasses - especially in poor visibility - cannot be ignored.
For this tour, it certainly wouldn't hurt to bring professional glacier equipment.
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