Hochkalterferner

Hochkalterferner is a glacier located in the Berchtesgaden Alps in Bavaria, Germany. It is situated on the northern slopes of the Hochkalter massif. The glacier is part of the Berchtesgaden National Park.

Historically, Hochkalterferner was a more extensive ice body. Like many glaciers worldwide, it has been experiencing significant retreat due to climate change. The visible ice today is a remnant of its former size. The glacier is a popular subject for glaciological studies and a destination for experienced mountaineers who can access it via hiking trails.

The surrounding area offers spectacular alpine scenery with steep rock faces and high-altitude vegetation. The glacier's meltwater contributes to the Ramsauer Ache river system. Access to the glacier itself requires appropriate mountaineering equipment and experience, as the terrain can be challenging and hazardous, especially in warmer months when crevasses may open. The retreat of Hochkalterferner is a visible indicator of the warming climate in the European Alps.