Hochgründeck, Mountain summit in Hüttau, Austria

Hochgründeck is a mountain summit at 1,827 meters within the Fritztaler Berge range, offering views across multiple Salzburg districts. The terrain consists of forest paths and open ridges that extend northward, eastward, and southward from the peak.

The area became popular among mountaineers and long-distance walkers crossing the Salzburg valleys. The nearby Heinrich-Kiener-Haus refuge was built at 1,792 meters to support mountain travelers with shelter and supplies.

Near the Heinrich-Kiener-Haus stands the Friedenskirche Hochgründeck, built from 2003 to 2004 on the initiative of hut keeper Hermann Hinterhölzl. Archbishop Alois Kothgasser consecrated it on 5 September 2004 to Saint Vincent of Valencia, patron of woodcutters. A relic of Saint Edith Stein is kept inside.

The hike starts from the Klammalm parking area around 1,260 meters and follows marked forest paths to the summit. The entire route is well-established but becomes steep in the upper sections, so sturdy footwear and good fitness are important.

Hochgründeck is one of Europe's most densely forested mountains, and its summit is the meeting point of the municipal boundaries of Bischofshofen, St. Johann im Pongau and Hüttau. The Heinrich-Kiener-Haus refuge stands on the mountain, and the Friedenskirche Hochgründeck, consecrated on 5 September 2004 by Archbishop Alois Kothgasser, was built nearby between 2003 and 2004 on the initiative of innkeeper Hermann Hinterhölzl.