Hochkogel

The Hochkogel is a 951-metre wooded hill north of Lunz am See in Lower Austria. It lies within the cadastral area of Weißenbach and forms part of the Ybbstaler Alps. Although no marked trails lead to its summit, the mountain attracts attention for a remarkable engineering feature beneath its slopes. The reason for its fame is the Second Vienna Spring Water Main, which passes through the Hochkogel in a tunnel bored during construction. Engineers took extra care with the geology because heavy rain in Mausrodl sometimes washed up blind cave fish, proving underground watercourses. The tunnel’s route was adjusted to avoid unstable rock layers. Visitors find a quiet forested hillside with no visitor facilities or waymarked paths. The only sign of human activity is the discreet entrance to the water tunnel near the base. From the slopes there are views across the surrounding countryside and down to Lunz am See. The mountain remains a place of natural beauty rather than a tourist destination.