Geißspitze

The Geißspitze is a mountain standing 2,334 metres above sea level in the Rätikon range of the Austrian Alps. It lies entirely within the municipality of Tschagguns in the Montafon region of Vorarlberg. The peak rises above the village, separated from neighbouring heights by deep valleys and steep ridges.

The mountain is worth climbing for its sweeping views across the Montafon and into Switzerland. In 1999 a powerful avalanche tore through the forest below the summit, leaving a long scar still visible today. The upper slopes and connecting ridges form a protected habitat noted for rare plants and shifting soils called plaiken, which bring minerals to the surface and feed colourful alpine meadows.

Two main routes lead to the top. From the Lindauer Hütte at 1,744 metres walkers follow the Geißspitzsteig for about an hour and a half over grassy slopes. Alternatively take the Golmerbahn cable car to 1,890 metres, then follow the Golmer Höhenweg past the Golmer Joch, Latschätzkopf and Kreuzjoch to reach the summit in roughly two hours. Both paths end on the broad, airy ridge where the panorama stretches from the Silvretta glaciers to the Bodensee.