Galinakopf
2,198 m
Austria, Liechtenstein
Also known as ГалинакопфAlso known as
Галинакопф
- Elevation
- 2,198 m
- Prominence
- 331 m
- Difficulty
- 2/10
- Hike
- Best Season
- Jul–Sep
- Routes
- 2
Routes
2The easiest and most popular ascent, from Malbun in Liechtenstein (1,600 m): a long, gently undulating walk on tracks and paths just west of the Austrian border via the Sassförkle and Mattaförkle to the Guschgfieljoch, then through dwarf pine and up a steep, grassy south slope (about 30°) to the summit cross. About 900 m of ascent in total, roughly 3 hours up.
Elevation Profile
approximate line- Distance
- 7.8 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +771 m
- −171 m lost on the way up
- High Point
- 2,198 m
- Time Up
- 3h 53m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 3h 05m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
From the Jöraboda bus stop in Malbun (about 1,600 m) follow the signposts below the Friedenskapelle north on broad paths and farm tracks, always a little west of the border ridge between Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg, to the Sassförkle (1,785 m) and the Mattaförkle (about 1,840 m). The path then narrows and winds for a long way through dwarf mountain pine to the Guschgfieljoch (about 1,860–1,873 m, boundary stone 48), where the routes from the Austrian side join. After about 7 km only some 400 m of height has been gained. From the joch the path skirts the Wurmtalkopf (2,006 m) on the left to the south-west ridge, then climbs the long-visible, steep grassy south slope (about 30°) for the last 300 m to the wooden summit cross and boundary stone 57. The north side of the summit is broken, loose rock in contrast to the grass on the ascent. Allow about 2¾–3 hours from Malbun. Descend the same way (about 5½–7 hours for the round trip, about 17.5–19 km), or traverse via the Guschgfiel alp and the Valorsch valley to Steg (about 6¼ hours in total). Take care at the Guschgfieljoch on the descent not to stray off the path towards P. 1971, where dwarf pine and rock block the way.
Start
Malbun Jöraboda1,598 m
- Bus to Malbun (stop 'Malbun, Jöraboda'); for the traverse, return from the 'Steg FL, Hotel' stop.
- Parking at the trailhead
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malbun Jöraboda → Galinakopf | 7.8 | 771 | 171 | 3h 53m |
Waypoints
- Station: Malbun Jöraboda1,598 m
- Col: Sassförkle1,786 m
- Col: Guschgfieljoch1,861 m
- Summit: Galinakopf2,198 m
Key Passages
- Dwarf-pine section beyond the Mattaförkle
- Steep grassy south slope below the summit
Equipment
0/4 packedDownloads
Route confidence 75%Overview
A 2,198 m border summit between Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg in the north-western Rätikon, with a grassy south flank and craggy north side. Easy marked paths from Malbun or the Alpe Gamp lead to a summit with a far-reaching view over the Rhine valley and four countries.
The Galinakopf sits exactly on the border between Austria (Vorarlberg) and Liechtenstein and gives its name to the Galina group, a sub-group of the Rätikon. Its south flank is grass right up to the summit cross; the other sides are steep, broken rock. Four ridges radiate from the top: the jagged Galinagrat to the north, the grassy Galinagrätle to the east and north-east, and ridges to the south and south-west. Because the surrounding peaks are noticeably lower, it is a well-known viewpoint.
The usual ascents are walks: from Malbun in Liechtenstein along the border ridge via the Sassförkle and Guschgfieljoch, or from the Alpe Gamp above Nenzing via the Mattlerjoch. Both join at the Guschgfieljoch and finish up a steep grass slope. Rougher routes come up from Gurtis via the Galinatal and the east side, with short cabled sections (T4), and the Galinagrat offers scrambling.
The area is quiet: the approaches are long and gentle, with few people outside summer weekends.
Climbing Notes
A long but easy mountain walk (T2–T3) for anyone with reasonable fitness: about 900 m of ascent and 5½–7 hours from Malbun, or 1,160 m and about 7 hours from the Beschlinger Berg car park. The only steep section is the final grass slope, which is slippery when wet or frozen. There is little water along the Malbun route.
The Malbun route has bus access and can be done as a traverse to Steg through the Valorsch valley. From the Austrian side, the Berghaus Mattajoch on the Alpe Gamp offers food. The east-side descent via the Galinagrätle has three short steel cables and loose scree (T4) and needs sure-footedness.
In winter the north-east side is a ski tour; the south slope can carry avalanche risk.
History
The local volleyball club VBC Galina traditionally hands over playing shirts to new players at sunrise on the summit.
Season
Best Jul–Sep- January: Not advisable
- February: Not advisable
- March: Not advisable
- April: Not advisable
- May: Possible
- June: Good
- July: Best (best window)
- August: Best (best window)
- September: Best (best window)
- October: Good
- November: Possible
- December: Not advisable
- Jan
- Winter; ski-touring on the north-east side
- Feb
- Winter
- Mar
- Winter; avalanche risk on the steep south slope
- Apr
- Spring snow
- May
- Snow patches; south slope often clear late in the month
- Jun
- Hiking season begins
- Jul
- Summer; hot on the south slope
- Aug
- Summer
- Sep
- Clear views, stable weather
- Oct
- Often fine until the first snow
- Nov
- Possible in dry late autumns
- Dec
- Winter
Access & Permits
- Rules
- The paved lane from the Latzwiese to the Beschlinger Berg car park is narrow with few passing places; it is closed to traffic beyond the barrier
- Getting There
Malbun / Triesenberg (Liechtenstein); Nenzing (Vorarlberg)
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Bus to Malbun (stop 'Malbun, Jöraboda'); the traverse ends at the 'Steg FL, Hotel' stop
- By car: from Nenzing (A14 exit) via Beschling, the Gampweg and the Latzwiese to the Beschlinger Berg hikers' car park (1,036 m)
- Bus to Gurtis for the Galinatal approach
Hazards
- Weather