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Summit cross on the Großer Löffler: Renewed for the summer after the storm!
On June 18, 2025, the repaired summit cross of the Großer Löffler in Ginzling was blessed. Learn about the renovation history and return transportation.
Summit cross on the Großer Löffler: Renewed for the summer after the storm!
On June 18, 2025, a festive occasion was celebrated in Ginzling to rebuild the summit cross on the Großer Löffler. In an impressive ceremony, Pastor Jürgen Gradwohl blessed the newly restored cross, accompanied by the Ginzling-Dornauberg Federal Music Band and numerous restaurants. Last year it had to be repaired after many hours of manual labor due to a severe storm due to severe damage. Its return to an altitude of 3,378 meters is planned for this summer. The mountain guides Stefan and Andreas Wierer, in consultation with the DAV Greiz section, brought the destroyed cross by helicopter to the valley where intensive restoration began.
The outstanding congratulations go to mountain guide Marcus Wellens, who recovered the damaged cross directly from the dangerous landslide area. Andreas Wierer took on the task of dismantling the cross into its individual parts and replacing components that could no longer be found. In a second step, restorer Markus “Krölli” Kröll dedicated himself to restoring the magnificent edelweiss that is emblazoned in the center of the summit cross. The alpine residents and supporters of the Greiz section, Rudolf Klausner and Markus Kröll, were pleased to receive a 1:10 replica of the Löffler Cross as a sign of gratitude for their tireless efforts.
A look into history
The original summit cross has an eventful history. Klaus Pracht, a 72-year-old contemporary witness, was involved in the construction of the first Löffler Cross in 1974 when, together with Rudolf Kröll, he transported the cross on horses to the Greizer Hütte. From there it was carried to the summit under challenging conditions. There were avalanches and crevasse falls at the time, but fortunately everyone involved was uninjured. Pracht was deeply touched by the renewed closeness to the cross, which means a lot to him and many others.
The importance of summit crosses in the Alps is impressive. Each cross tells personal stories and historical references, as former foreign reporter Hans-Joachim Löwer notes in his book “Summit Crosses – Dreams, Triumphs, Tragedies”. He guides us through the fascinating stories of 43 summit crosses in Austria, illuminating the diverse motives and fates behind these symbols of faith and remembrance.
Summit crosses are not only signs of faith, but also important memorials to past wars and the roots of Alpine culture. Examples such as the cross on the Corno di Cavento, decorated with soldiers' helmets, or the cross on the Schönfeldspitze, which was designed in a "Pietà" shape by Anton Thuswaldner, clearly show how deeply rooted these symbols are in people's consciousness. What they all have in common is that they are a place of reflection and remembrance.
The return of the Löffler Cross brings a fresh glow and gives the entire community the opportunity to reconnect with the nature and traditions of the Alps. This event makes it clear: When it comes to the mountain, there is something going on.
Further information about the history of summit crosses can be found at Zillertal newspaper, as well as interesting stories about it in an article by Mirror and on the side of the Alpine Club.