Via Ferrata Schulter und Randkluft Hoher Dachstein

Partially opened

The Schulter climb followed by the Randkluft path up to the top of Hoher Dachstein is probably one of the world's highest Via Ferratas. The short time it takes to get to the entrance, thanks to the Dachstein Gondola, makes this one particularly attractive. However, do not underestimate it as you are on still in high-alpine terrain.

For the Randkluft approach (descent): Glacier Equipment required! (beware of crevasses)

The climb to the top of the highest summit in Styria is an experience withmagical views enjoyed at almost 3000 m above sea level. The shoulder ascent in combination with the Randkluftsteig to the top of the Hoher Dacshtein is very doable in combination with the Dacshtein cable car. The short hike to the start, in particular, makes this via ferrata very attractive and popular. However, it should not be underestimated, not least because you are in high-alpine terrain.

Comments:

As you hike up across the glacier, you need to keep your eyes openn for crevasses (we recommend roping up!). In the lower section of the Randkluftsteig, there is a danger of rockslides whenever it gets busier. In high summer especially, you might have to deal with"traffic jams" of climbers. Also pay attention to developing storms.

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The tour in numbers

medium

Level of difficulty

5,5 km

Route

5:00 h

Time

502 hm

Uphill

502 hm

Downhill

2987 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

Download GPX data

Download KML data

More information

Arriving from the west:

From the west you can take the Munich-Salzburg motorway, continuing on the Tauern motorway (A 10) until the Ennstal junction. From here take the Ennstal A-road (the B 320) for around 30 km into the Schladming-Dachstein region, then take the Ramsau am Dachstein turn-off. Drive through the Ramsau Village and then turn left to Dachstein toll road. Continue up to the parking place Türlwand Hütte.

Arriving from the north:

From the south-east take the Pyhrnautobahn motorway (A 9) to the Liezen junction and then the Ennstal A-road (B 320) into the Schladming-Dachstein region. Then take the Ramsau am Dachstein turn-off. Drive through the Ramsau Village and then turn left to Dachstein toll road. Continue up to the parking place Türlwand Hütte.

Access: From the top station of the Dachstein cable car, a nicely maintained pathway leads to the Seethalerhütte. The shoulder ascent begins close to the hut. A roughly 30 min walk along a generally well-trodden glacier path will bring you up to the foot of the north face and the start of the Randkluftsteig (secured by rungs and cables).

Descent: The shortest descent takes you back down the Randkluftsteig to the foot of the rockface, then across the glacier to the top station, or via the Hunerschartensteig down to the valley.

Schedule of the Ramsauer Verkehrsbetriebe

Bus schedules

Valley station of the Dachstein cable car (Tollroad)

Up-to-date information: Bergführerbüro Ramsau am Dachstein or phone +43 664 522 0080.

www.via-ferrata.de