Grießkogel

The Grießkogel is a 3,066-metre peak in the Glockner range of the Austrian Alps. It stands in Salzburg province, its steep, triangular rock pyramid rising above glaciers on three sides. The Obere Hocheiserkees lies to the west and the Grieskogelkees to the south-east, while the summit ridge links southwards to the Hocheiser. From the top, the view stretches along the High Tauern’s main crest from the Großes Wiesbachhorn to the Großglockner and across to the Granatspitz group. A metal box at the summit holds the visitors’ book and a crystal-shaped sculpture. The usual route climbs from the Moserboden reservoir through the eastern flank and over the Kleine Grieskogel. This marked path avoids the glaciers and follows solid rock and scree to the summit ridge. Walkers need sure-footedness and a head for heights, but the route is non-technical and often used by parties aiming for the Hocheiser the same day. The ascent gains about 1,400 metres from the reservoir, which itself sits at 2,036 metres above sea level. At the top the air is thin and the panorama wide. To the north-west the Grossglockner’s pyramid dominates the skyline, while the Granatspitz peaks line the eastern horizon. The glaciers below glisten in the morning light, and the wind carries the sound of distant waterfalls. The summit sculpture catches the sun and sparkles against the blue sky, while the register records the names of those who have reached the point.