In 1961, on an expedition led by Toni Hiebeler, he undertook the first winter ascent of the Eiger North Face with Walter Almberger and Anderl Mannhardt.
Kinshofer did most of the leading throughout during their epic, six-day (6–12 March) climb.
On 23 June 1962 Kinshofer was one of three climbers on the German team to reach the summit of Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, (via the very steep Diamir Face) for its second ascent, with Sigi Löw and Anderl Mannhardt.
His climbing partner Loew fell to his death, and Mannhardt and Kinshofer had to have toes and/or feet amputated.
Kinshofer died in a fall in the climbing area of Battert near Baden-Baden in the Black Forest in 1964.