Hochkalter (2,608 meters) in the Berchtesgaden Alps is the highest peak in the massif of the same name and therefore one of the highest mountains in Germany. The Hochkalter Massif (German: Hochkalterstock or Hochkaltermassiv) is also called the Hochkalter mountains (German: Hochkaltergebirge).
The Hochkalter massif lies west of the Watzmann massif and, like it, is located within the Berchtesgaden National Park. The most important base for climbing this alpenstock is the German Alpine Club's Blaueis Hut (Blaueishütte, literally "Blue Ice Hut") which lies at a height of 1,653 metres (5,423 ft) in the Blaueis Cirque (Blaueiskar) below the Blaueis, which used to be the most northern glacier in the Alps [wikipedia].
Ascent: Start from the free Parkplatz Hintersee (not Seeklause where you have to pay 5€/day). From there first ascent along a broad forest road towards Blaueishütte, and ascend towards Blaueis glacier. At the end of the glacier there is randkluft which is very icy and steep, so you have to be very very careful there (crampons are a must). From there follow a short ferrata to Blaueisscharte. From there a pathless track with grade II scrambling leads to the summit. In winter there might be snow so alpine experience is required.
Descent: Continue across the ridge (follow red dots on white ground) towards Hochkalter and descend via Ofental back to the parking. The descent through Ofental requires a good sense of orientation, there are also several scree slopes. It is definitely preferrable to ascend via Blaueihütte and Schöner Fleck. On a hot day, you can go for a swim in Hintersee (very cold!).
Saftey information: I recommend this tour to be done in spring.
Weather: Peak weather, Valley
