Reißeck, Mountain summit in Carinthia, Austria
Reißeck reaches 2,965 meters and stands as the highest peak within the Reißeck Group in the High Tauern range. The mountain features several ridges, refuge huts, and reservoirs integrated into the larger Kölnbrein Dam system that supplies hydroelectric power.
The name traces back to Middle High German terms describing mountain streams, reflecting water features that shaped the landscape. Over time, the area became integral to hydroelectric development, transforming it from a remote peak into part of a modern power network.
Several Alpine huts dot the mountain area and serve as gathering places for hikers and climbers passing through. These refuges remain important social points where visitors rest and connect with the region's mountaineering heritage.
Several hiking routes reach the summit, with the primary trail starting from Berghotel Reißeck at 2,245 meters elevation. Visitors should expect a steep climb with varying conditions depending on the season, requiring adequate preparation and suitable footwear.
The mountain hosts two reservoirs on its western and southern flanks that feed into the extensive Kölnbrein Dam hydroelectric network. Few visitors realize how deeply connected this remote Alpine peak is to the power infrastructure serving the region.
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