Rauchzaglkogel

The Rauchzaglkogel is a 1,991-metre peak in the Ankogel group of the Central Alps. It stands in the municipality of Bad Gastein, within Salzburg province. The mountain belongs to the Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria’s largest protected area. Nearby summits include the 2,527-metre Böcksteinkogel to the south-east and the 2,529-metre Palfner Seekogel to the south-west. To the north the mountain slopes down to the valley of the Kötschach stream.

Geologists recognise the Rauchzaglkogel by its layers of granite gneiss and orthogneiss. Along the Kötschach stream’s banks fine silt, sand and gravel appear instead. The peak is also marked by wide, deep cracks caused by rock spreading. These features shape the mountain’s rugged profile and climbing routes.

Visitors reach the Reedseehütte, an alpine club refuge, at the south-western Reedsee lake. From there paths lead through larch scrub and boulder fields towards the summit. Lower slopes carry mixed forests of Swiss stone pines and, below about 1,450 metres, silver firs. The contrasts of rock, water and woodland make the area a quiet place for walking and observing alpine scenery.