Ortler

Ortler, or Monte Ortler in Italian, is the highest mountain of the Ortler Alps and the tallest peak in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, reaching 3,905 meters above sea level. It lies near the border with Austria and is part of Stelvio National Park, which was established in 1935 to protect its alpine environments and glaciers.

Geographically, the Ortler massif forms the southern end of the Ortler Alps in the Central Eastern Alps. The summit sits close to the boundary between South Tyrol and Lombardy. The range is heavily glaciated, with glaciers such as the Ortlerferner shaping its rugged ridges. The rocks are predominantly crystalline, including gneiss and granite, and the landscape is characterized by high-altitude terrain, steep faces, and numerous seracs.

Climbing and access to the peak make Ortler a renowned mountaineering objective. Common approaches start from towns such as Sulden (Solda) or Trafoi in South Tyrol, with the normal route traversing the north‑eastern ridge to the summit. The ascent requires experience in alpine climbing, good acclimatization, and careful consideration of weather and avalanche conditions. The area is part of Stelvio National Park, which helps protect its fragile ecosystems and glaciers.

Name and language: the mountain is called Ortler in German and Monte Ortles (Monte Ortler) in Italian. The exact origin of the name is unclear, but it reflects the long-standing toponymy of the region, where both Italian and German names are used for geographic features.