Tauernkogel

The Tauernkogel is a 2,247-metre peak in the Tennengebirge range, part of the Northern Limestone Alps in Salzburg. Its summit bears a tall metal cross and is mostly grassy, though the northeastern slope drops sharply. The mountain lies near St Johann im Pongau and forms a striking landmark above the surrounding valleys. The climb is graded moderate but steep, following the southern route over the Tauernscharte col at 2,109 metres. Along this flank lie two notable caves: the Tauernloch, reached by a narrow path just above the tree line, and the Eiskogelhöhle, accessed via a signed trail. Walkers set off from Wengerau at 901 metres and reach the Söldenhütte at about 1,500 metres after two hours. The final section demands care when wet, because wet grass can make footing slippery. Within a single kilometre of the summit stand several other summits of similar height. To the south-west the Napf reaches 2,167 metres, while the Eiskogel offers a double top at 2,318 metres and 2,278 metres. The Teufelskirchl, climbed only from the east, stands at 2,218 metres, and the rugged Brietkogel rises to 2,316 metres in the north. East of both the Tauernkogel and the Brietkogel, steep cliffs plunge into a bowl called ‘die Briet’, above which the Augstein at 2,055 metres appears framed by low mountain pines.