The “Cradle of Via Ferratas”

Ramsau am Dachstein is rightly nicknamed the “cradle of via ferratas”: The fixed-cable climb to the summit of the Dachstein, which was the brainchild of Friedrich Simony, was the very first via ferrata in the Eastern Alps and celebrated its 175th birthday in 2018. Austria’s leading region for fixed-cable mountaineering lies amid the peaks of the Dachstein. The prospect of 22 beautiful via ferratas in the Schladming-Dachstein Region, ranging from beginner to expert, is certain to whet the appetite of every avid and aspiring alpinist.

22 fixed-cable climbs for big and small – including via ferrata certification

Austria’s leading region for fixed-cable mountaineering lies on the southern side of the highest mountain in Styria – the Dachstein. The prospect of 22 beautiful via ferratas in the Schladming-Dachstein Region, ranging from beginner to expert, is certain to whet the appetite of every avid and aspiring alpinist. With the “Hias”, “Rosina” and “Siega” in idyllic Silberkarklamm, three of them are even located close to the valley. The “Franzi” on the Reiteralm, the only via ferrata in the Schladminger Tauern, as well as the Stoderzinken practice rock-climbing area add the finishing touches to the many-and-varied opportunities offered to “rock jocks” in the Schladming-Dachstein Region. For children and youths, an ideal intro to the world of mountaineering was created in the form of “Kalis Klettersteiggarten” at the foot of the Sattelberg in Ramsau. Even after you have made it to the top, the path leading back down again is certain to be lots of fun as well. Not least due to the Flying Fox zip line. A must for all summiteers who want to get the most out of fixed-cable climbing, is via ferrata certification. During this training course, state-certified mountain guides from Ramsau am Dachstein will teach you the required basic techniques of fixed-cable mountaineering. In addition, participants pick up useful information about equipment, safety, tour planning and weather-watching.

Six practice rock-climbing areas for beginners and pros 

The Schladming-Dachstein Region is home to six rock-climbing centers with a total of 292 routes and a full range of difficulty (rated 3 through 10), giving rookies as well as pros a wide variety of options. The biggest and easternmost of these – with 184 climbs – is the “Burgstall Klettergarten” in Untergrimming near Pürgg. In the far west of the region, we find a climbing center in Forstau, which, due to easy access, a short hike up and excellent rock, is hugely popular with mountaineers. Four practice climbing areas have also been created in the Dachstein mountains: The “Türlspitz” is easy to reach, with many routes and all levels of difficulty. Friction-climbing and face-climbing are possible thanks to the inclined slabs of the “Edelgriess”. One of the most beautiful practice climbing areas on the Dachstein is the “Zughalswand”, which also combines nicely with a refreshment break enjoyed at the Südwandhütte. For magnificent views that extend from the south face of the Dachstein to the Niedere and Hohe Tauern, we definitely recommend the “Scheiblingstein” for honing your rock-climbing skills.

Facts & Figures: via ferratas and practice climbing areas in the Schladming-Dachstein Region:

•  22 fixed-cable climbs
•  Longest via ferrata: “Johann” (800 vertical meters)
•  Highest vertical in Austria: 1200 vertical meters (up the “Anna” and “Johann” to the top of the Dachstein)
•  6 practice rock-climbing areas
•  Around 292 practice routes