Rossis Kreuz (Villnöss) – Peitlerkofel (2875m) – Rossis Kreuz

On the morning of this hike, we were really not sure where to hike. As a last minute decision we decided to hike around the Aferer Geisler and up to the summit of Peitlerkofel. It turned out to be a great choice!

We parked at Rossis Kreuz on the road leading away from Villnöss – an extremely pretty village so this was already earmarked for the place to stop for a milkshake after the hike. Vilnöss is the village where Reinhold Messner was born – the greatest mountaineer. Ever.

Today we follow a hiking route named after his brother – the Günther Messner path. Günther died when climbing down from Nanga Parbat with Rheinhold – a complex story of how he died. Many books have been written about the tragic story…

After parking the car we headed uphill in an anti-clockwise direction around the Aferer Geisler. What great views we had when we reached the saddle at the east end of the Aferer Geisler group!

We then headed east, still following the Günther Messner path, There are wonderful views of the Geisler group to the south. This is one of the range of mountains in the Dolomites on which Messner learned his incredible mountaineering skills.

There are a few ladders to go up and down, but nothing seriously scary.

The path is great! It generally follows the ridge of the mountain – views left and right!

Half way around the hike we reached the Peitlerscharte. This is where the path up to the Peitlerkofel branches off. The path to the summit is not difficult – it looks more difficult than it is from the bottom.

It is not particularly difficult and we did need to use our hands in places – just takes some care. And be aware of snakes! I simply did not see one and semi-trod on one who promptly aimed a bite at my leg – fortunately only biting the boot. I don’t know who was more shocked!

From the summit, the views are stunning! Simply stunning.

After retracing our steps to the Peitlerscharte we then continued to follow the Günther Messner path now on the northern side of the Aferer Geisler. The views to the northern Dolomites are equally wonderful and the locals are very friendly.

We eventually reach the car and head back to Villnöss for the well-earned milkshake. A very, very highly recommended hike!