Grosser Rettenstein

An insider tip for Kirchberg in Tirol: The Grosser Rettenstein in the Spertental-Aschau protected landscape is the highest peak (2,366 m) in Kirchberg and therefore offers a guaranteed spectacular panoramic view.

The striking formation of the Grosser Rettenstein is rugged, rocky and juts out unexpectedly from the green landscape. The mountain, which can be seen from quite a distance, has special geological status due to its 400m thick limestone layer.

Special waypoints: The Kasplatzl Cheese Dairy invites you to take a break and recharge your batteries with alpine produce fresh from the farm and observe how the cheese is made through a glass panel. There are also many special waypoints that will definitely leave an indelible impression on you.

Refreshment stops: At the beginning and end of the hike, the Kasplatzl Cheese Dairy is a great place to stop. The Alpengasthaus Labalm is also located near the start of the hike. As a member of KochArt (CulinaryArt), Labalm offers a delectable range of regional and culinary delights. If you choose the Spießnägel route, you will then be able to stop at the Hirzeggalm mountain hut. Only at the Rotwandalm mountain hut (depending on the direction on the first third of the hike uphill, or downhill in the last third.)

From the starting point, the forest path twists and turns and gently rises to the Schöntalalm meadow. As you walk, you can admire magnificent two-thousand-metre peaks opposite the valley. Shortly before you reach the Schöntalalm, the rock peaks of the Spießnägel will appear on the left. In late spring, the fragrant, yellow mountain cowslip bloom in this alpine meadow. It is one of our protected alpine species.

From the Schöntalalm follow the trail through the Schöntalsenke and then up to the Schöntalscherm, a barn for the alpine cattle.
The adjacent steep grass slopes are a popular grazing area for the chamois, who consume the healthy mountain grass in summer to build up their reserves for the barren winter months.

Before the climb to the Grosser Rettenstein, the Schöntalquelle spring offers the ideal place for a short rest. Here you can quench your thirst with the fresh spring water, which is suitable to drink. After a short rest, you are ready to tackle the last stage of the ascent.

The entire Spertental in Aschau near Kirchberg in Tirol has been declared a protected landscape by the state of Tirol for its beauty and unique nature since 1984. The alpine meadows are filled with colourful wildflowers; the flora on the Rettenstein includes pine, spruce, gentian, willow gentian, mountain cowslip, edelweiss and blue monk's-hood. There are also large number of wild animals in the Spertental Valley such as roe deer, red deer, chamois and ibex and marmots. Grouse, such as wood grouse and black grouse, also find a suitable habitat here and even the ptarmigan can still be found in the alpine areas. And if you look closely, you can sometimes spot ibex or an eagle on the Grosser and Kleiner Rettenstein. For more information about native flora and fauna see Naturlehrpfad.