Heukareck, mountain in the Ankogel Group in Salzburg
Heukareck is a mountain in Salzburg that forms part of the Ankogel Group in the Alps and rises to approximately 2,100 meters above sea level. It features a rounded summit with a steep north-facing cliff called the Höllwand, and several hiking trails of varying lengths lead to the peak, with the main route taking about three hours to climb from the trailhead.
The first recorded ascent of Heukareck took place in May 1879 by Ludwig Purtscheller, establishing the mountain as a hiking destination. The peak later gained literary prominence when writer Thomas Bernhard featured it in his book 'The Cold', describing how the mountain's shadow darkens the valley for extended periods.
The name Heukareck reflects the hay farming and alpine pasture traditions that shaped this region for generations. The working mountain farms like Igltalalm remain active today, offering visitors a glimpse of how communities have sustained themselves through simple, time-honored practices in these high valleys.
The hike begins at the Sendeanlage Holzlehen or Himmelsknoten parking areas near Großarl and follows marked trails with gravel roads and rocky sections leading to the summit. Sturdy footwear, adequate water, and weather-appropriate clothing are essential since the route is mostly exposed and sunny.
A marked stone bearing the number 11 along the hiking route bears traces of snow and avalanches over the years, a silent witness to the constant changes of the mountain landscape. A local secret is the Jägersteig, an unmarked descent path known only to locals, which offers a different perspective of the mountain.
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