Raucheck

Raucheck
Southwest side of the Tennen range. The Raucheck (2,430 m) is in the centre.
Highest point
Elevation	2,430 m (AA) (7,970 ft)
Prominence	1,463 m ↓ St. Martin
Isolation	11.3 km → Schoberköpfe
Coordinates	47°29′57″N 13°13′35″E / 47.49917°N 13.22639°E / 47.49917; 13.22639Coordinates: 47°29′57″N 13°13′35″E / 47.49917°N 13.22639°E / 47.49917; 13.22639
Geography
Raucheck Salzburg, Austria
Parent range	Tennen Mountains
Geology
Age of rock	Norian - Rhaetian
Climbing
Normal route	Mahdegg-Alm - Eiskeller - Griesscharte - Hiefler - Raucheck

At 2,430 m (AA), the Raucheck is the highest peak in the Tennen Mountains in the Northern Limestone Alps. To the south rock faces up to 1,000 metres drop into the valley of the Salzach, whilst its northern side descends relatively gently over a broad plateau into the barren Pitschenberg valley where the Leopold Happisch Haus is located.

The Raucheck rises in the southwest of the Tennen range east of the Lehnender Stein and west of the Werfener Hochthron on the edge of the extensive karst plateau. From its highest point with its summit cross there is an outstanding panorama, with particularly good views of the Hochkönig opposite, the rest of the Berchtesgaden Alps and the High Tauern mountains to the south (for example the Ankogel). Of note is that the height difference in crossing from the Raucheck to the Werfen on the opposite side of the Salzach valley is 1,900 metres. Due to its location and the gently sloping plateau the summit is popular with paragliders for intermediate landings and take-offs.

Like most of the other mountains in the Tennen, the Raucheck is easy to ascend and does not demand any climbing. An ascent does require sure-footedness and a head for heights, however, as well as good fitness and Alpine experience. Unexpected dangers, such as becoming disoriented in fog or sudden storms, make the Tennen Mountains an area respected by mountaineers. Even on a clear summer's day, the Raucheck is not usually busy, although there are several huts in the vicinity. The most important routes are:

A rural and highly recommended route that begins in the Wengerau near Werfenweng. The ascent runs through the Elmaualm initially to the Werfener Hut. It makes sense to overnight here and attempt the hard climb the next day up the Thronleiter and the Throntal valley to the plateau. A short detour to the Edelweißer Hut is possible. Heading past the Hiefler the route finally approaches the summit of the Raucheck from the north. It is waymarked throughout and protected in the Throntal (UIAA grade I) with iron ladders and wire ropes.