Schrofen

Schrofen differs from trackless terrain in that hands are needed in order to negotiate it.

In wet weather schrofen can become very dangerous because of the increased risk of slipping, particularly in the descent.

In keeping with the base meaning of the word ("rock spikes"), schrofen also forms part of the name of numerous mountains in the Northern Limestone Alps.

Alpine farms near a schrofen are often named after it, as are their access roads, e.g.: Ob dm Schrofa, Schrofaweg.

The word is linked to the German adjective schroff which means rugged, steep or craggy.