Hoher Göll (2522 m) is the highest peak of the Göll massif and a true landmark towering over the Salzach valley by more than 2000 meters. Alpinist Ludwig Purtscheller once called it 'the emblem in the magnificent mountain wreath of the old Salzach city of Salzburg' - and once you see it, you'll understand why.

Built from Dachstein limestone, this rugged massif straddles the border between Bavaria (Germany) and Salzburg (Austria) - the summit itself marks the boundary. The views stretch across the Berchtesgaden Alps and down to the Salzach valley, taking in neighboring peaks like Kammerschneid, Hinteres Freieck and Hohes Brett. One of the most iconic sights is the mountain's reflection in Lake Hintersee on the Bavarian side. The terrain is steep and rocky, with exposed sections on several routes, while winter transforms parts of the mountain into a popular ski touring destination.

• Purtschellerhaus - via the Salzburger Steig, either the Schuster route or the chimney before the Rauchfang, approx. 2.5 hours, demanding (exposed sections with short cable protection, via ferrata set recommended)
• Kehlsteinhaus - via the Mannlgrat ridge, approx. 3 hours, an interesting via ferrata rated C/1+
• Schneibsteinhaus or Carl-von-Stahl-Haus - via Jägerkreuz to Hohes Brett and Großer Archenkopf, approx. 4.5 hours

• The summit sits directly on the German-Austrian border
• Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential on the exposed Schuster route
• The west face offers numerous climbing routes of varying difficulty, reached from the Scharitzkehlalm hut
• The old descent path is hard to follow in places, so most climbers now rappel down instead

The first tourist ascent was made in 1800 by theology student Valentin Stanig, who had climbed the Großglockner and Watzmann just a month before. The first iron summit cross was carried up by 31 young men on an overnight march in 1885.