Alpenrosen in full bloom, clinging sternly to the barren slopes of dolomite rock. A grandiose summit shooting up from forest green, high above all its neighbours. Its silhouette is recognizable from far away, and the view from the summit is equally impressive: from Switzerland in the west to Karwendel in the east, over the main chain of the Alps in the south and the prealps of the north.

Hochvogel from the south, via the Bäumenheimer track from Hinterstein, is a rewarding mountain tour on varied terrain. The path is well marked and the climbing sections easy and fun (I, not belayed; two or three thin ferrata wires are put up on walking terrain).
We had to turn around on Bäumenheimer once before due to the snow conditions; in early summer, crampons and/or ice axe may be needed.
On this revisit the conditions were superb, allowing for an extensive summit pause.
A great tower is traversed on the normal route from the north (scrambling, I). We decided to have a closer look, and thus descended to Kaltwinkelscharte, with a little detour to Kreuzspitze. In order to return to Bäumenheimer Weg one must round Hochvogel via Fuchsensattel. This can either be done from Kreutzspitze (which may actually be quicker), or as we did, from Kaltwinkelscharte. This alternative descends a steep scree slope (fixed rope), which is subjected to rock fall when many people are descending. A descent from Kreutzspitze may initially include steeper scrambling, but presumably more pleasant.
Bottom line: although near 1800 altitude meters make this a rather long day tour, the scenery is definitely worth it.