Geierkogel

The Geierkogel is a summit that tends to lead a shadowy existence in the Rottenmanner Tauern. However, with a little stamina, but without any major technical difficulties, it is easy to hike - a real insider tip for connoisseurs.
The starting point of our tour is the large parking lot at the top of the pass in Hohentauern. From there, we follow the B114 westwards for a few steps before turning onto a forest path, which is also part of hiking trail 02A. The trail now climbs steadily for about an hour - bend after bend, meter by meter. At around 1,670 meters above sea level, we leave the forest path and cross the slope to the Wichtelhütte, where we can take a short break for a drink.
Continue south along trail 902 - a truly fantastic section through shady forest and later across open alpine pastures. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains open up again and again. The path becomes a little steeper over the Kainzenboden and we reach the first hilltop. The next intermediate destination lies ahead of us: an unnamed elevation, which we climb a little later.
The path now winds its way along slightly sloping terrain - but with a little care, it is perfectly easy. Simply follow the markings. The path continues steadily, but not steeply, up to a kind of pre-summit of the Geierkogel. From there, we see our destination for the first time - an impressive panorama, especially in spring: the slopes are still partly covered in snow, while the sun bathes the vegetation in warm shades of brown, gold and yellow.  The striking Gamskögel rises up in the background - a real postcard motif.
A short descent introduces the final ascent. Another 30 to 40 meters in altitude separate us from the summit. Finally, we stand at the beautiful wooden cross of the Geierkogel at 2,231 meters above sea level.
A good three hours after the start, we can enjoy a well-earned snack - surrounded by an impressive backdrop: opposite the Bruderkogel, a little further to the right the Große Bösenstein, Dreistecken, Hochhaide, and further east the Warscheneck, the Kalbling and the Reichenstein.
For the descent, we choose the ascent route again. Shortly before the Wichtelhütte, there is the option of descending more steeply via the slope or taking a shortcut - but we decide to take the forest path, which is easier on the joints. After about 5.5 hours of walking, we arrive back at the starting point.
The hike to the Geierkogel, with an altitude difference of around 1,000 meters, is varied and scenic - an ideal summit for anyone who wants to enjoy a piece of unspoilt mountain scenery away from the well-known routes. Although the Geierkogel stands in the shadow of the Grießstein, Gamskögel and co., this is precisely where its special charm lies.