Plankogel

The Plankogel is a mountain in the Stubalpe range of the Austrian Alps, standing at 1,598 metres. It rises north of the Gaberl pass, on the border between two districts in Styria. Nearby peaks include the Ofnerkogel to the northeast and the Perschenkogel to the west. Three alpine pastures spread across its slopes: Mittermoaralm, Stüblergut and Töllereralm. The mountain feeds three streams—the Grabenbach, Sallabach and Stüblerbach—which flow into larger rivers in the region. The geology of the Plankogel is shaped by glimmerschist, part of an older metamorphic core in the Eastern Alps. The area supports a variety of birds such as the goldfinch, house martin and black woodpecker. Several butterfly species have been recorded here, including the medusa ringlet and the scarce forester moth. The slopes are mostly forested except near the summit, where open ground appears. Rare fungi and lichens, like the grey tart lichen, grow on the rocks and trees. A paved road and forest tracks lead to the summit, where the European long-distance trail E6 crosses the ridge. The Austrian Alpine Club maintains a marked path from Salla village, known as route 57. The northern side of the Plankogel lies within a large landscape protection area covering over 21,000 hectares. The views stretch across the Stubalpe and into the surrounding valleys.