Rote Kögele

From the parking lot above Ratzell 1650 m along the forest road following the signs and markings to the Glanzalm 1960 m. A few meters above the Glanzalm is the fenced area with a view of the Glockner, which invites you to linger and enjoy on the benches. We follow the signs "Wetterkreuz, Rote Kögele, Defregger Riegel." The heath landscape soon becomes steep, the path is visible, it goes towards the massive avalanche barriers. These were erected as protection for the village of Hopfgarten in the Defereggen Valley. A short rocky spot at about 2,400 m causes some problems for our unathletic dog. It continues over the partly rocky ridge, following the markings also into the northeast-facing slopes, which are already full of snow/ice in our area. Due to the snow conditions, we turn back at the Rote Kögele 2,570 m; a further way to the Defregger Riegel seems to be marked. The view is magnificent, the majestic Großglockner, the Lienz Dolomites, and even the Julian Alps. Descent as ascent or just above the Wetterkreuz turn right in a southwesterly direction. On the way back, you come again over a forest road to the Glanzalm.