Hoher Göll

The Hoher Göll is a 2,522-metre peak in the Berchtesgaden Alps, the highest in its massif which straddles the German-Austrian border. On the Bavarian side it rises above the Königssee, a deep alpine lake whose waters flow north into the Salzach river. The Salzach itself cuts through the Austrian side of the massif, fed by streams that rise near the mountain’s slopes. A lower ridge of hills south of the massif separates the Königssee valley from the Salzach valley. The massif also includes the Kehlstein spur, topped by the Kehlsteinhaus, and other peaks such as Hohes Brett and Jenner. The first recorded climb was made in the early 19th century by Valentin Stanič, a theology student from what is now Slovenia who also ascended the Watzmann. Routes to the summit range from the straightforward Klettersteig on the Mannlgrat ridge to demanding climbs on the West face graded VIII. The Mannlgrat ridge links the Hoher Göll to the Kehlstein spur, and a trail from the Kehlsteinhaus leads along this ridge to the top. Another popular route starts at the Purtschellerhaus hut, ascends to the summit, and descends to the Stahl-Haus. At the summit walkers are rewarded with wide views across the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Salzach valley. The mountain’s steep faces attract climbers tackling routes such as Scaramouche and Om, established by the Huber brothers and later repeated by leading climbers. The contrast between the forested lower slopes and the bare rock above adds to the appeal of the massif. The nearby Königssee and its surrounding peaks provide further opportunities for exploration.