Mountain type Dachstein limestone | ||
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Elevation 2,578 m (AA) (8,458 ft) Prominence 2,578-2,464 m ↓ Mittagsscharte Parent range | ||
The Wildalmkirchl is a rocky peak, 2,578 m (AA), on the southern edge of the Steinernes Meer. It lies within the Austrian state of Salzburg, northeast of the village of Maria Alm and northwest of the Hochkönig massif.
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Map of Wildkirchli, 9057 Schwende District, Switzerland
The first part of its name comes from the Wildalm ("wild alpine meadow"), a remote high valley located north of the Wildalmkirchl in the Austro-Bavarian border region in the Steinernes Meer range; the second part of its name is derived from the shape of the mountain which, from various standpoints resembles a church with its roof and tower. At a height of 2,457 m, northeast of the summit, is the Wildalmkirchl bothy or "wilderness hut" (Biwakschachtel) (open, 8 sleeping places).
The Wildalmkirchl, along with the Schottmalhorn, is the most difficult mountain to climb in the Steinernes Meer; all ascents involve climbing. The easiest route runs from the bothy to the northeastern of the "church" formation and up onto the "roof" (crumbling, I); the route then crosses the exposed Kirchdachgrat arête forming the ridge of the "roof", and scales the very exposed summit block which requires moderately difficult climbing at grade (II); in all this takes about 40 minutes of climbing time from the bothy.