Gratlspitze from Alpbach

From the parking lot above the Oberthaler snack bar, first along the forestry road and then upwards over alpine meadows to Höslkapelle and Hösllacke (30 min). Pass right by the pond and follow the sign "Kupfersteig/Kaiserbründl" towards "Holzalm." The trail gently ascends through the forest passing an ore quarry* to the mountain inn Holzalm (50 min). Above the inn keep left and briskly ascend to Gratlspitze (1 h 15 min). Enjoy the magnificent panoramic view from the summit! For the descent follow the sign "Hösljoch", i.e. below the summit choose the path south/east and partly over ridges going up and down repeatedly (caution: surefootedness required) until "Halsbergalm", past it to the already known Hösllacke (1 h 30 min), from here return along the known path to the car (30 min).

*Information about Kupfersteig/Kaiserbründl: Copper ores have been mined and processed in the vicinity since ancient times. Finds prove the first settlement 6,300 years ago, and copper extraction from these deposits about 3,500 years ago. Scattered finds near Kaiserbründl around Gratlspitze point to this prehistoric ore mining in this area. A property directory from 1416 names the Thierberg (old name of Gratlspitz) as a copper ore supplier at the end of the Middle Ages. Numerous tunnels and shafts were created to extract the sought ores. Since prehistoric times, the silver contained in the ore here was also of interest to make coins. The adit visible on this plateau below Kaiserbründl is the entrance of the upper main tunnel, from which extraction took place using a mine cart. Lower-lying tunnels, recognizable by their large spoil heaps, are the lower main tunnel and the Peter tunnel. Mining operations ceased around the mid-19th century. The large stone visible here next to Kaiserbründl is a so-called sorting stone, where ore was crushed and separated from worthless rock.