Corno Grande (Gran Sasso)

Corno Grande (2,912m) is the highest peak in the Apennine Mountains, forming the central massif of the Gran Sasso d'Italia in Italy. The 'Via Normale' (Normal Route) is the primary non-climbing ascent originating from the Campo Imperatore plateau. The trail traverses high-altitude karst terrain, characterized by barren limestone slopes and significant verticality. The route includes sustained climbs through the 'Brecciaio' scree field and a final Class 2 limestone scramble to the western summit. Positioned between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, the summit provides significant regional visibility over the central Italian peninsula.

Standing as a natural balcony opposite the demandingly vertical walls of the Hochkönig (2,941m), the Hochkeil is an approachable peak that offers one of the best effort-to-view ratios in the Salzburger Land. Starting from the Arthurhaus alpine inn, the trail winds through lush high-alpine meadows and scattered pine trees to a broad, flat summit across from the 'Mandlwände'. Because the area is often overshadowed by the more famous Königssee or Zell am See, the Hochkeil remains remarkably quiet and popular with locals.