Geier

The Geier is a 2,857-metre peak in the Tux Alps of Tyrol, making it the range’s second-highest mountain. It stands where four valleys meet: Schmirntal to the south-west, Navistal to the west, Tuxer Tal to the east and Wattental to the north. About 450 metres north lies the Lizumer Reckner, the highest summit in the Tux Alps, while 400 metres south-east sits the Junssee, a small lake roughly 200 by 100 metres. Most of the Geier belongs to the Lizum-Walchen military training area, though walkers can still approach from any of the four valleys. The Lizumer Hütte in Wattental is a common starting point for ski tours, even in winter. The mountain’s summit is crowned by a tin vulture sculpture, reflecting the name Geier, which means ‘vulture’ in German. Its rocks are mainly serpentinites from the Reckner complex, including lherzolites with smaller amounts of harzburgites and dunites. These ophiolites once formed part of ancient oceanic crust, now exposed in the border zone between the Lower East Alps and the Tauern Window. Geologists assign the complex to either the Penninic or Lower East Alpine realms. The area has also witnessed notable events, such as the 2016 Geier avalanche. Visitors who reach the top find sweeping views across the Tux Alps and the surrounding valleys. The Lizumer Hütte offers a warm refuge before or after the climb, especially useful in colder months. The Junssee below appears as a small blue mirror set against rugged slopes. The military area restricts some routes, but authorised paths remain open to the public. The tin vulture at the summit stands as a simple landmark against the sky.