Plenge

The Plenge is a mountain in the Carnic Alps of Carinthia, standing 2 373 m high. It forms the northernmost summit of the Mooskofel group, set just north of the main Carnic crest. Though many peaks along that crest rise higher, the Plenge dominates the Lesach valley because its broad mass towers above the small settlement of Wodmaier on the valley’s southern side. The name comes from an old term for steep alpine pastures, and the usual routes to the top cross steep grass slopes. One path starts above Wodmaier and climbs through forest to a small lake at about 2 200 m, where walkers can rest before tackling the final section. The last part follows the southern ridge, where a short easy scramble leads to the summit cross, set a little below the highest point. From the top there are wide views across the Lesach valley and eastwards into the Gail valley. On clear days the Hohe Warte, the highest peak in the Carnic Alps, appears only five kilometres to the south. To the north the main chain of the Alps comes into sight, with well-known giants such as the Grossglockner and Grossvenediger visible when conditions allow.