Herrenkogel

The Herrenkogel rises to 1642 metres as the second-highest summit on a broad ridge that stretches east–west at the northern end of the Gleinalpe in Styria. The Wetterkogel, just one metre higher, stands a few hundred metres to the west, separated only by a shallow col at 1598 metres. Steep slopes drop away on the northern side into the Utschgraben and on the southern side into the Gamsgraben, while the ridge continues gently northeastward toward a low summit called Bei den drei Pfarren. The Central Alpine Trail crosses the Herrenkogel on its route from the Drei Pfarren toward the Wetterkogel, where it meets the long-distance North–South Trail and the European E6. All three routes share the same path over the Wetterkogel’s top after passing the col. The only man-made mark on the Herrenkogel is a simple summit cross sheltered by a low dry-stone windbreak. From the col the broad ridge offers wide views across the Mur and Mürz valleys and the surrounding ranges. The boundary between three districts—Bruck-Mürzzuschlag, Leoben and Graz-Umgebung—meets on a nameless knoll between the Herrenkogel and the Drei Pfarren. Hikers often combine the ascent with the nearby Wetterkogel, following the well-trodden trails that link the two summits in a single outing.