Heukareck, mountain in Sankt Veit im Pongau, Salzburg, Austria

Heukareck is a 2,100 m summit in the Ankogel Group, the highest point of the Gamskarkogel ridge and the local mountain of Schwarzach im Pongau, on the border of Sankt Veit im Pongau. Its rounded top rises north of the Höllwand (2,287 m) and lies within the 867-hectare Paarseen-Schuhflicker-Heukareck nature reserve. The summit can be reached by steep paths from Schwarzach/St. Veit via the Herzogalm or from Großarl via the Niggeltal and Niggeltalalm.

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 combines Heu (hay) with the Alpine pasture term Kareck, pointing to haymaking on these slopes. The Niggeltal valley below the summit is described in the sources as very rich in game, and the ascent routes pass the Herzogalm and the Niggeltalalm (Igltalalm). Writer Thomas Bernhard, who lived in the area, wrote about the mountain in his book Die Kälte – Eine Isolation.

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.

Thomas Bernhard wrote about Heukareck in his book Die Kälte – Eine Isolation, describing how the mountain casts its shadow on the Schwarzach valley for four months without interruption. He called it an infamous monstrosity devised by the Creator. The mountain lies within the 867.05-hectare Paarseen-Schuhflicker-Heukareck nature reserve.