The Monte Collalto and its neighbour, the Monte Collaspro, are part of the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina nature park
Image gallery: Monte Collalto
Monte Collalto (3,436 m a.s.l.), the highest peak of the Vedrette di Ries group, a subgroup of the High Tauern, is also known as the “King of the Vedrette di Ries”. It is the most beautiful peak of the Eastern Alps and rises on the South Tyrolean side at the border between South and East Tyrol.
The first ascent of the so-called "glowing mountain" dates back to 1854. The summit owes its name to the ancient German word "galla" which means glowing. Today, the same word indicates the bluish ice on the slopes. Until some decades ago the northern wall was conquered by ice climbers.
Monte Collalto can be scaled during a rather difficult tour starting from Riva di Tures and leading past the Kasseler Hütte hut (or Hochgallhütte at 2,274 m a.s.l.). The ascent of the Tyrolean side takes you past the Barmer Hütte at 2,160 m a.s.l. From the peak you will enjoy an all-round panoramic view ranging from the Zillertal Alps, the Grossvenediger and the Grossglockner to the famous peaks of the Dolomites in the south.
