Grande Mèsule

The 3,480-m high Grande Mèsule is the second highest peak of the Zillertal Alps. The Gran Pilastro (Hochfeiler in German), the highest peak of the Zillertal Alps and the Grande Mèsule were first ascended in 1865 and separate South Tyrol (Italy) and North Tyrol (Austria).

The Grande Mèsule is surrounded by glaciers and is accessible both from South Tyrol and North Tyrol. One of the most well-known tours to the summit starts in the Zillertal and leads past the artificial lake Schlegeis and the Furtschaglhaus hut (with possibility of overnight stay). From the hut it takes you 4 hours to access the summit. Alternatively, you can start this route from Lake Neves in the Valle Aurina and pass the Rifugio Porro or Chemnitzer Hütte hut (possibility of overnight stay).

Until the 19th century, the Sasso Nero in the Valle Aurina was thought to be the highest peak of the Zillertal Alps. The ascension of the Grande Mèsule in 1858 and that of the Gran Pilastro afterwards denied this fact. The Gran Pilastro is in fact 30 metres higher than the Grande Mèsule.