The Nazogl (2057 m / 6749 ft) is the second highest peak of the Hochangern mountain range, which rise north of the Styrian district capital of Liezen and belong to the Warscheneck Group of the Totes Gebirge (dead mountains), the largest karst limestone area in Central Europe, located on the border of the Austrian federal states of Upper Austria and Styria. The Totes Gebirge owes its name not least to the fact that the area is primarily drained underground through extensive cave systems, and the vegetation on the surface is therefore rather sparse.
A popular starting point for tours to the Nazogl (2057 m / 6749 ft) and its surrounding peaks is the Hinteregger Alm, located at approximately 1,200 meters above sea level. It was cultivated 800 to 1,000 years ago. Today, the pasture is accessible via a narrow road from Liezen. This leads to a free parking lot from which you can explore the area. From the alpine pasture, you have a magnificent view of the Enns Valley and the Lower Tauern, as well as the Grimming, the highest freestanding mountain in Europe. To the north of the alpine pasture rises the Hochangern mountain range, and even the summit cross of the Nazogl is clearly visible from the alpine pasture on a clear day.
From the parking lot, the trail initially follows a gravel road past several alpine huts. Not far from the Kink Hut, a signpost and red-white-red markings point the way across the rocky alpine meadow. The path is initially not easily visible until a clearly trodden path finally makes finding the way much easier. The path leads to a paved and now grassy path, which continues westward uphill. After about 1.3 km (0.8 mi), the trail becomes noticeably narrower and rougher. Shortly after, a gully is crossed and then the trail climbs steeply in tight switchbacks along the edge of the forest.
After about 500 meters (0.3 mi), the path makes a sharp turn to the left. A slightly less steep section follows, leading along the southern flank of the mountain. However, quite soon, steeper steps appear again, which must be overcome.
Rocky steps must be negotiated again and again. In most cases, however, this is possible without using your hands. The view of the Enns Valley certainly makes up for the effort. Of course, the Grimming mountain also looms into view from time to time, and in some places, the Dachstein Glacier is clearly visible a little further west.
After about 2.4 km (1.5 mi), the steepest section of the climb begins. The rocky steps become higher and the ascent is more or less direct. However, no major technical difficulties are to be expected. The surrounding landscape is certainly not lacking in charm.
After another 600 meters, a path branches off to the left toward Kosenspitz. To reach Nazogl, keep right here and follow the signpost and the numerous red-white-red markings. The path now becomes somewhat less steep, and you realize it can't be too far to the summit. Rain has transformed the limestone here into a typical karst landscape. After about 2.5 hours, you reach the summit of Nazogl (2057 m / 6749 ft). The expansive summit plateau invites you to linger, gather your strength, and enjoy the view.
To the east, the Haller Mauern and the Gesäuse Mountains are clearly visible. Looking a little south, the Niedere Tauern range comes into view, and at the foot of the mountain, the district capital of Liezen in the Ennstal valley is clearly visible. To the west, the Grimming mountain rises into the sky, and behind it, the Dachstein glacier glitters in the sun.
To the north, the highest peak of the Hochangern mountain range, the Angerkogel (2114 m / 6936 ft), seems within reach and behind it the Warscheneck (2388 m / 7835 ft) can be seen. The ascent of Nazogl is often combined with a detour to the summit of Angerkogel. I wasn't properly equipped for the existing old snowfields that day, so I unfortunately had to abandon the climb to Angerkogel.
The return to the Hinteregger Alm follows the same route as the ascent. Caution is advised when descending the rocky steps, especially in the steeper section.
Back at the Hinteregger Alm, the trail leads past the Kinkhütte. This snack bar, when open, invites you to stop for a bite to eat and relive the tour to the Nazogl.
Tour Facts (Tracked with Bergfex Tours):
Distance: 7,8 km (~ 4.8 mi)
Duration: 04:00 h (without breaks)
Ascent altitude: 858 m (2815 ft)
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