A mountain offering marvellous views, partly accessible by cable car… The Rauchkofel („Smoky Mountain“) is one of the most beautiful mountains from which you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view over all of the Ahrntal valley and the Dolomites in the far distance. Presumably, its name derives from its rough and rocky shape („rauer Kofel“) and has nothing to do with the term „smoke.“ A great deal of the difference in altitude can be covered using the Klausberg cable car. An easy climb over blocks of rock leads to the summit cross. Sure footedness and no fear of heights are absolutely necessary for this tour, otherwise the Klausbergjoch below should be your final destination. The area around the peak is quite exposed, so you should not start the tour in unstable weather conditions. All in all, the Rauchkofel is a very popular mountain for hiking.
Taking the cable car from the Klausberg valley station in Steinhaus, we ascend to the mountain station (1,600 m; info phone +39 0474 652 155). Following path nr. 33, we go past the Speck- und Schnapsalm and reach Lake Klaussee (2,162 m) and further on to Klausjoch (2,579 m). Here we turn right and we complete the last part to the peak (2,617 m), easily manageable by climbing over some rocky blocks. Take the same way back. Skilled mountaineers can also include the Klausnock (2,819 m) in the tour which is situated to the east of the Rauchkofel. The path leading to the Klausnock was marked by particular stone stacks a few years ago. In order to follow this route, you descend to Klausjoch again and you follow the stone stacks heading southeast (additional time 1 ½ hr in total). Only in stable weather conditions!
