Hochbrand

The Hochbrand is a 1,426-metre mountain in the Gaaler Tauern range, part of the Pletzenkamm in Upper Styria. It stands in the Gaal cadastral area within the municipality of Gaal. The Gaalgraben valley, carved by the Gaalbach stream, lies 933 metres south of the summit at 969 metres above sea level. From the valley floor the Hochbrand rises by 457 metres, giving it a modest but noticeable prominence. The Hochbrand is the southernmost peak of the Pletzenkamm and overlooks the Karlbach to the west and the Staubgrabenbach to the east. Both streams flow south into the Gaalbach, which itself joins the Ingeringbach further downstream. The next higher summit of the range, Repenstein, reaches 1,956 metres and sits 2.2 kilometres north of the Hochbrand. A broad grassy ridge leads to the summit where a small cross marks the highest point. The view stretches across the Gaal valley and the surrounding Tauern foothills. On clear days the peaks of the Niedere Tauern can be seen to the north. The climb is straightforward and rewards walkers with quiet upland scenery and sweeping horizons.