Tannwandkogel

The Tannwandkogel is a mountain in the Ankogel group of the Central Alps, standing in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It belongs to the Hohe Tauern National Park and reaches up to its summit at 2,125 metres. The village of Bad Gastein lies at its foot, while the Hüttenkogel, another peak, lies to the southwest along the same ridge. A steep rock face drops down the eastern side of the Tannwandkogel, adding to its dramatic profile. The Kötschachbach flows along the northern base, carrying silt, sand and gravel from the slopes above. Wildlife and plants thrive in the varied zones around the summit. The very top forms a protected resting area for chamois, closed to walkers from 1 December to 31 May each year. Around the peak grows a belt of heather heath, while below it stretches a mosaic of mountain pines, green alders, Swiss stone pines and patches of rusty-leaved alpenrose. Near the north-eastern flanks a small grey alder slope forest survives. Below 1,500 metres the mountain carries silver firs and scattered Norway spruces, marking the transition to the valley’s conifer woods. Paths lead up from Bad Gastein through quiet forests and across open alpine meadows. The final climb follows the ridge towards the summit, rewarded by wide views across the Hohe Tauern range. On clear days the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak, can be seen to the west. The contrast between the steep cliffs and the gentle heathland below makes the mountain a striking sight throughout the year.