The Karlhochkogel forms the highest elevation of the Karlalpe, a plateau southeast of the Hochschwab south face, from which it is separated by the Trawiessattel (1898 m). The Festlbeilstein above the Reidelsteinriedel and the Fölzstein (1946 m) are among the most striking features of this massif. The Karlhochkogel itself presents itself as a gentle grassy dome, especially from the north, but has steep rocky and craggy terrain to the south and west. The eponymous Karl lies southeast below the summit, from which the Karlgraben descends in a south-westerly direction to the Karlschütt and the rear Ilgner valley.