Seekogel, Mountain summit in the Kaunergrat group, Ötztal Alps, Austria

The Seekogel is a 3,357 m summit in the Kaunergrat ridge of the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol, the sharpest peak of that chain. It is a torn snow ridge with steep walls to the north and south, branching east from the main crest between the Watzespitze and the Rostizkogel. The Seekarlesferner lies north of the summit and the Rifflsee to the east; from east and west it appears as a jagged tooth, from north and south as a broad wall.

The usual ascent, also the first ascensionists' route, leads over the Schneidiges Wandl (2893 m), the south face and the east ridge at UIAA grade III. The west ridge (UIAA IV) was first climbed in descent by Ingenuin Hechenblaikner and F. Harpf in 1903. A lightning strike in 1975 shattered one of the sharp towers on the west ridge, which must now be bypassed by a delicate traverse on the south flank.

The Seekogel's name links it to the Seekarlesferner glacier north of the summit and the Rifflsee lake to the east, the landmarks climbers use to orient themselves on the mountain. The West Ridge was first climbed in descent in 1903 by Ingenuin Hechenblaikner and F. Harpf, and is still regarded as one of the finest granite ridges in Tirol.

The climb is best attempted in stable weather, as conditions at higher elevations can change quickly and affect visibility. Sturdy hiking boots and weatherproof clothing are essential since the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and exposed toward the top.

The West Ridge (UIAA IV) is regarded as one of the finest granite ridges in Tyrol; Ingenuin Hechenblaikner and F. Harpf first climbed it in 1903, descending. A lightning strike in 1975 shattered one of its sharp towers, which is now bypassed by a delicate traverse on the south flank.