Bleikogel is the second-highest summit of the Tennengebirge range in the Northern Limestone Alps, rising to 2411 m. Its long rocky ridge and a remarkable 1700-metre drop down to the Lammer valley make it a striking, wild destination for those willing to earn the view. This is a peak for hikers seeking solitude rather than crowds.

The summit falls away on all sides in rugged slopes and small rock faces, and the panorama stretches all the way to the Dachstein massif in the east. In summer it's reached as part of a plateau traverse across the limestone terrain typical of the Tennengebirge. In winter, Bleikogel becomes a ski touring destination, famous above all for the Trickl descent — a 1700-metre run down the north face to Unterberg. Because of its remoteness and the sheer length of the approach, the summit sees few visitors; even on a fine summer day you might meet only half a dozen other climbers.

How to reach the summit

• From Abtenau — approx. 7 hours, 1700 m elevation gain, UIAA grade I, demanding route
• From Wengerau (Werfenweng) — approx. 6 hours, 1600 m elevation gain, with several tiring intermediate ascents and descents

Practical information

• Both the Laufener Hütte and Söldenhütte offer a winter room (Winterraum) for ski tourers
• Good navigation skills are essential — it is easy to lose your way in fog
• Sure-footedness, a head for heights, good fitness and alpine experience in the Tennengebirge are required

Bleikogel rewards patience: the long approach keeps it quiet, offering a sense of remoteness rarely found elsewhere in the Alps.