Via Ferrata Eselstein

difficult Via ferratas · D · Ramsau am Dachstein

Tour characteristics
Stamina
Tour-Infos
Distance: 7.71 km
Duration: 07:00 h
Ascent: 1415 m
Descent: 1415 m
Best time of year
january
february
march
april
may
june
july
august
september
october
november
december
The tour
The Jubiläum via ferrata was build in 1991 and its varied passages lead along: the ridge, very exposed spots, and easier terrain in between.  Many mountaineers faced their limit on its steep cliff passage.

Comments:

A very well-designed via ferrata meeting every expectation, though not suited for inexperienced climbers or childer. Very strenous and exposed at some parts.


Turn-by-turn directions
Approach: from Gasthof Feistererhof, a well-marked and occasionally steep trail winds up to the Guttenberghaus (see King's Stage). Keep hiking in the direction of the Gruberscharte. After approx. 20 minutes, turn right (info board ‘Klettersteig’) and follow the footpath along the scree slope until you reach the entry point.

Descent: hike down the narrow, marked path at Eselstein's northern-slope until you reach the trail. Walk along Feistererscharte back to the Guttenberghaus (approx. 40 min) and take the trail you used for the ascent, back down. Or go down the Eselstein Westwand ferrata and back to the hut.

Getting there

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. Continue to the Ramsau plateau and about 1 km after Ramsau Kulm turn right to Rössing street (Rössingstraße) and continue junction (Abzweigung) Feistererhof.

Arriving from the north and east:

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. Continue to the Ramsau plateau and about 1 km after Ramsau Kulm turn right to Rössing street (Rössingstraße) and continue junction (Abzweigung) Feistererhof.

The starting point can be reached by hiking bus (in operation from 25.6.2022). From the bus stop "Berghof/Abzweigung Feisterer" short walk up to the gorge entrance.

Schedule of the Ramsauer Verkehrsbetriebe

Bus schedules

Parking
Start
Feistererhof
Destination
Feistererhof
Equipment

Hiking Via Ferrata routes is a demanding sport in rugged terrain. For your safety, please observe the following rules: 

  • Via Ferrata routes are demanding and require a good level of fitness, no hight vertigo and sure-footedness. 
  • Always use a helmet and, a Via Ferrata kit to attach yourself to the safety rope. Many mountain rescue missions are a result of carelessness and bad weather conditions. 
  • Many routes require most of the day. When planning a tour, always include the possibility of a sudden change of weather. Be prepared: carry spare clothing and a good stock of food supplies. 
  • Always show respect towards fellow mountaineers. Inform them about possible dangers if need be. 
  • Take care of our environment. Only take photographs and memories with you - leave no trace.

Alpine Emergency Numbers

Mountain Rescue             140 

Euro Emergency Call       112

Via Ferrata equipment

Weather forecast

Date
in the morning
-2°C
at noon
1°C
in the evening
-2°C
Thick clouds throughout the day and snowfall for most of the time.
in the morning
-3°C
at noon
-2°C
in the evening
-2°C
Dull throughout the day. Snowfall will increase more and more.
in the morning
-2°C
at noon
-2°C
in the evening
-2°C
Thick clouds and widespread snowfall throughout the whole day.

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