Sunrise on the Wildspitze peak

Watch the sun’s first rays break over the peaks – on a sunrise hike on the Wildspitze in the Ötztal Alps.

It’s still dark outside, and the air is clear and cool. Everything around you is silent. No birdsong, no buzzing insects. With each step, you feel the effort in your legs as you climb toward Tyrol’s highest peak: the Wildspitze. At 3,770 metres, Austria’s second-highest mountain – after the Großglockner – rewards early risers with an unrivalled panorama.

The ascent begins long before dawn (be sure to check local sunrise times and weather conditions) and winds over glittering glaciers and along narrow ridges. To safely conquer this Alpine giant, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced mountain guide and equipping yourself with the proper gear.

We also recommend splitting the sunrise tour into two stages. Otherwise, you’ll be facing almost 2,000 metres of elevation gain in one go – much of it in the dark. Spend the night at the Breslauer mountain hut (2,844m), and you’ll “only” have about 900 metres left to climb in the early morning hours.

But make no mistake – the reward is extraordinary! When the sun rises over the Alps and bathes the surrounding peaks in red-golden light, it’s a moment of pure magic. As you stand at the summit, looking down at the world below, a powerful sense of strength and grandeur flows through you. This tour is both a physical challenge and a mental journey that fills you with new energy.

Preparation and safety

A sunrise hike to the Wildspitze is no ordinary mountain hike. It requires preparation, mountain experience, and surefootedness. As the route is challenging and requires experience in the high mountains, we recommend undertaking the hike with a certified mountain guide. You’ll also need proper Alpine equipment: crampons, an ice axe, a climbing harness, and a helmet. We’re happy to organise a professional guide and all the necessary gear. Happy hiking!