Schareck

The Schareck stands 3,123 metres above sea level in the Goldberg Group of the High Tauern. It lies on the main chain of the Alps, marking the border between Carinthia and Salzburg. The summit is the second highest in the Goldberg range after the Hocharn. Southwest of the peak the Wurtenkees glacier feeds the Mölltaler Gletscher ski area. To the north the Schareckkees glacier reaches almost to the top, while below the mountain the Hochwurtenspeicher reservoir collects water for the Fragant power station. The mountain is reached from the south by the top station of the highest chair lift, making the ascent straightforward. The Pröll Way from the northwest follows a broad arête past the Neuner Kogel and Herzog Ernst peaks to the summit. This route is graded easy when dry and free of snow but demands sure-footedness and a head for heights. One short section is equipped with footpegs for security. From Schutzhaus Neubau in the Raurisertal the Tauerngold Erlebnisweg leads over the Fraganter Scharte col to the Herzog Ernst Spitze in about two and a half hours, then on to the Schareck in another hour. Visitors on the Pröll Way walk along a sweeping ridge with wide views across the Tauern. The route passes the Neuner Kogel at 2,827 metres and the Herzog Ernst at 2,933 metres before reaching the summit. From the top station of the chair lift the final metres to the summit are short and easy. The surrounding glaciers and reservoirs add a stark beauty to the high alpine landscape.