Via Ferrata: “Rax via Hoyossteig (A/B) & descending via Rudolfsteig”

Promising tour up the Rax via the Hoyossteig and descent via Rudolfsteig

This promising tour leads up to the Rax through the Höllental using the Hoyosteig (via ferrata Cat. A/B – suitable for beginners) and allows stunning views towards other via ferratas or climbing routes in the Höllental. The via ferrata is less popular than other routes in the Höllental, therefore not crowded but still worth to hike.
The tour starts at the parking at the start of the Rudolfsteig (GPS: 47.748848, 15.757699), walks back a bit to the forest street entry (green fence with an opening on the left side) and follows the forest street through the Höllental. A signpost then shows the start of the small trail through the forest towards the entrance of Hoyossteig: a giant rock followd by an iron ladder. The tour then ends at the plateau with a signpost showing the route towards Rudolfsteig for the descent.

Please note that a full “Klettersteigset” (via ferrata set) is advised to be used for this tour!

Please note that the Rudolfsteig is pretty steep and sometimes exposed, thus a sure foot and alpine experience is required!

Warning! Snow at the plateau makes it hard to find the route since most markings are made on stones which are then covered by the snow. Also the trail can become steep. It is therefore recommended to have snow equipment and GPS available when doing the tour early in spring.

Tour Description

00:00	Start at the parking (GPS: 47.748848, 15.757699) and follow the street eastwards for a few meters.
00:01	Turn left and bypass the green gate through the small opening on the left side. Follow the forest street upwards.
00:35	A signpost marks the start of a small trail towards Hoyosteig. Turn right and follow the trail.
00:50	Careful: Turn right upwards at the crossing (not visible, hard to find), marked blue on a rock on the ground.
01:00	Put on the via ferrata set at the big rock which marks the entry of the Hoyossteig. Follow the via ferrata upwards.
01:01	The trail is marked red-white-red. The trail is very winded and sometimes a lot of broken trees are on the trail which makes it very easy to get lost. Normally you should see from each marking the next marking!
02:30	Reaching the plateau (timber line). Follow the trail marked red-white-red, sometimes with sticks.
02:45	At the crossing, keep right towards the next crossing (at the begin of a forest).
02:50	At the crossing (good place for a break and enjoy self-brought snack and drink () follow the signpost towards Rudolfsteig.
03:15	Again, reaching the timber line, the trail now becomes steep downwards.
04:20	At the rock window (marked with big red letters saying STOP), enjoy the view through the window and follow path (u-turn) downwards.
04:45	Cross the forest road by turn right and then turn left again.
04:50	Turn right into the forest road and follow the road downwards to the parking.
05:00	Arrive at the parking, end of the tour.

At a glance

Level	easy-medium
– Via Ferrata Category	A/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:		8km
Ascent:		888m (2h 30min)
Descent:		888m (1h 45min)
Highest Pt:		1449m
Lowest Pt:		561m
Duration:		4h 45min (without breaks) 5h 00min (with breaks)
Stop/Rest:		NONE!
Equipment:		Hiking shoes with good grip (on rock) Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks, food and water 1x “Gipfelbier” () Sun & Weather protection Camera Via ferrata set incl. helmet If done on snow: spikes, ice axe
Topo/Map:		Ernst Graf Hoyossteig (A/B)