Brennkogel (3018 m)

Elevation: 650 m / Lenght: 8 km / Time: 4,5 hrs
Visit rate: 2/5 / Rating: 5/5

Not the easiest to access, but certainly a popular three-thousand-meter peak, Brennkogel, along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. You can park right by the tunnel below the Hochtor summit (2,576 m).

Reaching the summit feels like it takes more than 2.5 hours, mainly because you'll likely stop at least five times along the way to admire the surrounding scenery, which is simply fantastic.

Whether it's the ridge to Bretterspitze (2,641 m), Brettersee Lake, or the general views over the High Tauern, there's constantly something to admire — which naturally slows you down. But does that really matter?

The only real issue was that clouds formed above the summit for several hours, which altered our plan to continue to Kloben (2,938 m). The route there went over a still significant snow cover, which was present even in early August. On the way back, we slid down some sections on our backsides.

At the top, we took a few photos, posted some stories, had a snack, and it was time to head back. If you have more time and energy, I would recommend continuing to Spielmann (3,027 m). However, this is not an easy hike for beginners.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road price list:

https://www.grossglockner.at/en/for-your-visit/prices-opening-times

Other interesting spots you'll encounter along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road:

https://www.trailtherapy.cz/l/austria/austria-hikes/pasterze/

https://www.trailtherapy.cz/l/austria/austria-peaks/baumgartlkopf/

https://www.trailtherapy.cz/l/austria/austria-lakes/nassfeldspeicher/

https://www.trailtherapy.cz/l/austria/austria-hikes/grosglockner-hochalpenstrase/

Shortest route from the parking lot to the summit of Brennkogel (3,018 m).