The Figerhorn (2,742 m), though only a subsidiary peak in the mighty Glockner Group of East Tyrol, is charmingly Alpine, surrounded by green meadows and filled with the sound of cowbells.
It offers an ideal viewpoint to admire Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner. Due to steep rock faces dropping into the Ködnitztal valley, the safer ascent follows the southern meadow slopes. The Wendelin-Weingartner-Weg, named after a former Tyrolean governor, leads up this route
Where the Glockner Breathes Softly
While Austria’s Grossglockner towers dramatically over East Tyrol, it is not always the highest peaks that offer the deepest moments. Sometimes, it’s the quieter ones—like Figerhorn—that leave a lasting imprint.
Figerhorn (2,742 m), although only a subordinate summit of the mighty Glocknergruppe, holds a quiet charm. Meadows ripple with the sound of cowbells. The air is crisp. And from its ridge, the Grossglockner feels near enough to touch. Yet this is a trail that asks for no conquest—only your time and attention.
The Journey Begins: Lucknerhaus (1,910 m)
After a long drive across Croatia, Slovenia and Austria, we finally arrived at Lucknerhaus, the gateway to Hohe Tauern’s southern wonders. The road into Kals am Großglockner leads to this storied mountain inn—once a simple farmhouse, now a hub for hikers, climbers and daydreamers alike.
From the Lucknerhaus car park, the trail gently unfolds.
Part I: Through Forest and Meadow to Greichl Ridge
The first ascent is a zigzag through forest shade. Sunlight flickers between the trees. It’s quiet here—birds above, soft earth underfoot.
Soon, the forest opens into a spacious meadow. The path climbs northwards through rolling grassland, gaining elevation but never rushing. This is where you slow down. You listen. You breathe.
At Greichl Ridge (2,247 m), we pause. A bench waits. In the distance, the mighty Glockner watches silently. For beginners or those walking simply for the peace of it, Greichl alone is a worthy destination.
Part II: Wendelin-Weingartner-Weg and the Meadow March
After a short break, we continue upward on the Wendelin-Weingartner-Weg—a gentle, undulating path named after a former Tyrolean governor. Here, the trail skirts across open meadows. Grass glows gold under the midday sun.
We meet sheep grazing freely, their bells echoing across the slopes. We smile at a newborn lamb nestled in the shade. These are the moments that make hiking the Alps unforgettable—not the height, but the harmony.
Part III: Final Ascent to Figerhorn Summit
From the ridge, the trail begins its final push. The path narrows, the grade steepens, and rocky steps demand more focus. But the challenge never becomes overwhelming. This mountain was made for hikers—not mountaineers.
As the summit nears, we feel it—the shift in air, the wideness of sky. And then we arrive: Figerhorn, 2,742 m.
The Summit: A Balcony to the Grossglockner
There isn’t much space at the top—just enough to stand, take a deep breath, and look out. To the north: Grossglockner, proud and snow-streaked. To the south: the lush Ködnitztal valley, stitched with farmhouses. Above: nothing but alpine sky.
We don’t linger long at the summit. Instead, we step just below the top, sit on the ridge, and take it all in.
The Descent: Retracing in Golden Light
The descent follows the same path. But everything looks different now. Shadows have lengthened. The cowbells ring softer. With each step, the day begins to fold inward. We take our time. No need to hurry.
A Word on Lucknerhaus
If the trail is the body of the day, Lucknerhaus is its heart. Originally a family farm dating back to the 1600s, it later became a mountaineering hub. Today it’s both rustic and refined, offering warm food, sun terraces, and sweeping views.
With over 200 seats and plenty of space for families, this is a place where hikers meet farmers, and travellers rest before their next path.
Trail Summary
- Starting Point: Lucknerhaus (1,910 m)
- Summit: Figerhorn (2,742 m)
- Elevation Gain: ~832 m
- Distance: ~7 km round-trip
- Total Time: 4.5 – 5 hours (including breaks)
- Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for beginners with some stamina)
Trek Goat’s Final Thought
Figerhorn may not top alpine lists, but its value isn’t in height. It’s in slowness. In silence. In walking a trail that doesn’t test your limits, but gently expands your senses. If you’ve ever wanted to hike toward the Grossglockner, but not up it, this is your path.
Walk it slowly. Let the cowbells echo. Let the wind tug gently at your sleeves. Let the mountain be more than a destination—let it be a companion.
“Not all hikes need to be legendary. Some just need to be kind.”