Trogkofel (2,280 m) via Rudnigalm

Level of difficulty: Medium

8.6 km

Distance
6.8 h

Duration
1620 vm

Lowest elevation
2280 vm

Highest elevation
916 vm
710 vm

Trogkofel (2,280 m) via Rudnigalm

The Trogkofel (Creta di Aip) is a striking mountain peak and an excellent vantage point. The climb up this rocky mountain is exposed and not easy, but you are rewarded with a marvellous view over the entire Gailtal valley and on fine days the panorama extends from the Hohe Tauern to the Julian Alps and Dolomites. On particularly clear days, you can even see the glistening Adriatic Sea.

Equipment

Normal mountain equipment, sturdy footwear absolutely necessary. Water at the Rudnighütte.

For the alternative ascent and descent through the "Ferrata Crete rosse", via ferrata equipment is recommended, and an additional short safety rope for children.

Directions

On the A2 south motorway towards Italy, leave the motorway at the Hermagor exit and take the Gailtal feeder road onto the B111. Follow the main road to the Tröpolach junction and take the Nassfeldstraße (B90) to Tröpolach, turn right (towards Rattendorf). In the centre of the village, turn left towards Schlanitzen. First on tarmac road then on gravel road to Rudnigalm (1,621 m) (from Tröpolach approx. 12.5 km).

A first glimpse

Some impressions of the tour

Directions

From the Rudnigalm we walk approx. 700 metres back along the goods road down the valley to the junction with path 415 from Nassfeld. We ascend directly opposite on a marked path in a westerly direction over boulder terrain and forest, then reach a pasture area and keep left at the next junction. We head south uphill through a wide, sparsely wooded cirque strewn with large boulders. We reach a boulder pile and turn right - onto the so-called Uiberlacherweg trail no. 413, which leads us through the wild eastern flank of the Trogkofel. Some sections are secured by wire ropes, ladders and chains. Pay attention to the markings! The last part of the ascent takes us directly to the summit from the north. After around 2 1/2 to 3 hours from the Rudnigalm, we enjoy the summit bliss.

The way back from the summit cross is via the so-called normal route no. 416 over the southern flank of the Kalkstock. We keep to the SSW on the karst plateau - beware of getting lost in fog, follow the markings - and then descend steeply over rocky and gravelly ground to path 403, then follow this to the east at the foot of the flat rock faces on the south side of the Trogkofel. After passing the striking south-west pillar of the mountain, our route leads down to the left in the first saddle of the ridge towards the start of the Überlacherweg trail, but then follows the 413 markings via the ski piste back to the Rudnigalm.

Alternatively, the ascent/descent can also be made via the via ferrata "Ferrata Crete Rosse" (B/C). The via ferrata leads through a rocky gully on the south side of the Trogkofel to the summit plateau and can be reached via the Carnic High Trail 403.

More info