Via Ferrata: “Rax via Teufelsbadstubensteig (B), Kronich Eisenweg (C/D) and descending via Törlweg”

This tour leads through the exciting Höllental up to the Rax. The tour is fairly long but offers fascinating views. The first via ferrata is fairly easy (cat. B, I-) but a bit more exposed than the “AV-Steig” and a lot of lose little stones. 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 then continues towards the top via the Wachthüttelkamm and passes by the Ottohaus (perfect place for a break). Before descending, the Kronich Eisenweg (a short but firm via ferrata, C/D) is climbed up towards the Törlkopf. Finally, the descent is done via the fairly easy Törlweg hiking trail.

 

 

Tour Description

00:00	Start at the parking lot Höllental (before the tunnel, GPS: 47.746355, 15.763405). The trail starts opposite of the parking lot. If the parking is full, pass through the tunnel and park on the bigger parking lot on the left side after a couple of meters. The ascent can be shortened by following the forest road behind the green fence – see pictures below).
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 Hoyossteig.
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+ / II-)!
03:40	At the Praterstern you see straight ahead the Ottohaus.
03:45	Well-deserved break at the Ottohaus.
04:20	Take the small trail through the alpine garden back and thus bypass Praterstern on the right side.
04:22	Follow the Törlweg downwards first passing through the Törl, a distinctive gate through a rock.
04:30	The Kronich Eisenweg is at the corner (distinctive rock) on the left hand side. Put on the via ferrata set and follow the via ferrata (C/D) protected with iron cable.
04:45	Enjoy a self-brought “Gipfelbier” () to celebrate victory at the Törlkopf.
05:00	Exit the Törlkopf taking the chain-protected route heading back towards Ottohaus till reaching again the Törlweg.
05:15	Turn left into the Törlweg and descend into the valley following the Törlweg hiking trail.
07:10	Turn left into the street towards the Rax cable car valley station (car parking).
07:15	Back at the car parking, end of the tour.

 

 
At a glance

Level	moderate-difficult
–  Via Ferrata Category	C/D
Technique
Shape / Fitness
Experience
Scenery
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