Via Ferrata: “Rax via Teufelsbadstubensteig (B) & descending via Wachthüttelkamm”

Climb up the Rax through the Höllental via the “Teufelsbadstubensteig”

This tour leads through the exciting Höllental up to the Rax. Although the tour fairly long but offers fascinating views. The via ferrata is fairly easy (cat. B, I-) but a bit more exposed than the “AV-Steig”. Thus, it is suitable for beginners with some experience but it requires to be free from giddiness. The highlight is the Teufelsbadstube, a small cave that gives the trail its name. Due to the exciting views, it is one of the most popular trails within the area.
The tour starts at the small parking in front of the tunnel at the Höllental (GPS: 47.746355, 15.763405) where a small trail leads towards the Schönbrunnerstiege. Following a long hiking trail through the Höllental finally takes you to a big rock at the left handside which also leads to the start of the via ferrata.

Please note that a full “Klettersteigset” (via ferrata set) is required for this tour! Due to stone fall, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended!

Tour Description

00:00	Start at the parking lot Höllental (before the tunnel). The trail starts opposite of the parking lot.
00:01	Follow the trail parallel to the street (keep right 2x).
00:05	Follow the Schönbrunnerstiege (iron stairs).
00:07	Follow the blue route through the Höllental.
00:40	Stay on route (straight) at the crossing to Hoyosteig.
00:45	Turn left at the crossing to Teufelsbadstubensteig.
00:50	Follow the trail indicated by a red arrow around the rock. The via ferrata starts at this point. Put on your via ferrata set (“Klettersteigset”) here!
01:50	Approach the iron ladder. The trail book is located here. Climb up the iron ladder to enter the Teufelsbadstube.
02:45	Exit of the Teufelsbadstubensteig. Short break, enjoy your self-brought drink (). Then follow the trail (Wachthüttelkamm) upwards (turn right). Make sure you follow the right trail. The trail straight ahead (Preintalersteig) leads to a steep trail requiring some climbing skills (I+)!
03:40	At the Praterstern you see straight ahead the Ottohaus. Turn left and follow the street towards the Berggasthof.
04:00	Well-deserved break at the Berggasthof.
05:00	Take the same route back towards Praterstern and again back via the Wachthüttelkamm.
05:30	At Praterstern turn right and follow the same route back (Wachthüttelkamm).
06:15	At the exit of Teufelsbadstubensteig, continue on the Wachthüttelkamm (turn right). The trail now becomes steep and has various iron ladders for descending.
07:35	Stay right to get to the trail towards the parking. After a few meters you reach the parking.

At a glance

Level	easy-moderate
– Via Ferrata Category	B
Technique
Shape / Fitness
Experience
Scenery
Best time in the year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

General Tour Data

Area:		Rax/Schneeberg Group, Lower Austria, Austria
Distance:		11km
Ascent:		1108m (3h 10min)
Descent:		1108m (2h 20min)
Highest Pt:		1639m
Lowest Pt:		572m
Duration:		6h 15min (without breaks) 7h 40min (with breaks)
Stop/Rest:		Ottohaus (1644m) or Berggasthof Rax (1545m)
Equipment:		Via ferrata set incl. helmet Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and enough water Sun & Weather protection Camera
Topo/Map:		Teufelsbadstubensteig