Rinnerkogel

The Rinnerkogel is a 2,012-metre peak in the western part of the Totes Gebirge range in Upper Austria. It stands above the Wildensee, a small mountain lake below its slopes. The nearest refuge is the private Rinnerhütte, run by the Ebensee mountaineering club. Three marked routes lead to the summit, each starting from different points around the lake. The most popular path begins at Offensee and passes the Rinnerhütte before reaching the top. Other ways go via Ebenseer Hochkogelhaus and Schönberg or via the Albert-Appel-Haus across the karst plateau.

The mountain is worth climbing for its wide views over the Totes Gebirge and the surrounding valleys. From the summit visitors can see the Dachstein massif to the west and the Salzkammergut lakes to the north. The routes are graded moderate, making the peak accessible to fit walkers without specialist equipment. The Rinnerhütte offers food and rest halfway along the main ascent. Local geology shows layers of limestone and dolomite shaped by Ice Age glaciers.

On the summit visitors find a simple cross and a small summit book. The route from Offensee follows a well-marked trail through alpine pastures and rock slabs. The Rinnerhütte sits at about 1,550 metres, offering overnight beds and meals. From the hut the final climb is a steady ascent of roughly 450 metres. The return walk can be made along the same path or combined with a circuit of the Wildensee.