Schleifeck

Schleifeck is a 2,048-metre peak in the Gaaler Tauern range of Upper Styria. It stands 1.3 kilometres south of the slightly higher Schleifkogel and 1.5 kilometres northwest of the Amachkogel. The mountain belongs to the Kesseleck ridge and is the lowest of the eight two-thousanders in that chain. Two small alpine pastures lie close by: the Steineralm to the west, where the Schleifbach rises, and the Bärntalalm to the east, source of the Bärntalbach. Both streams feed the Pölsbach, which drains the valley. The peak is reached by several marked routes, the shortest taking about three hours from the Siegl farm and Sieglalm at 1,163 metres. A longer day hike of four hours links Sankt Johann am Tauern with Schleifeck and Schleifkogel before returning. A tougher twelve-kilometre circuit from the same village climbs to the Lärchkogel via Schleifeck in six hours. The longest round trip, twenty-two and a half kilometres and ten hours, starts at Bruckenhauser inn, passes the Franzlbauerhütte and crosses the Knaudachtörl before reaching Schleifeck. Walkers describe the high routes as demanding yet rich in views, especially when snow-shoeing is chosen in winter. On the summit ridge there is little level ground, but the open slopes offer wide views across the Gaaler Tauern. The Steineralm and Bärntalalm provide simple overnight huts and refreshments in summer. Paths are marked but can fade, especially in the Schleifgraben gully, so a map is advised. The summit itself is marked by a modest cairn rather than a large cross. From here the eye follows the Pölstal to the north and the rolling ridges of the Niedere Tauern to the south.