Climb up the Rax via the Teufelsbadstubensteig (B), hike towards the mountain station of the cable car and then descend via the Gsolhirnsteig
This tour leads through the exciting Höllental up to the Rax using the Teufelsbadstubensteig Via Ferrata (B). Especially in winter, the tour allows fascinating views into and throughout the Höllental. Out of all Via Ferratas, this one is the least dangerous one in winter due to its exposure and also because it ends at a lower altitude than the others.
After mastering the Via Ferrata, the tour then uses the Wachthüttelkamm for the final ascent towards the Rax Plateau. When reaching the Praterstern (in front of the Ottohaus, turn left and follow the road towards the mountain station of the cable car. After a well-deserved break, the tour then descends via the Gsolhirnstein back to the valley station of the cable car.
In winter, the Höllental can be dangerous due to avalanches or ice falls. The Teufelsbadstubensteig is the least dangerous one but still requires careful assessment regarding snow and ice situation!
This tour assumes the availability of two cars whereas the first car is parked at the valley station of the Rax cable car (end of the tour). The other car will be parked at Höllental, the starting point of the tour.
Optionally, a bus is operating between the cable car station and the starting point. Take the exit “Weichtalhaus” (few meters before the Höllental parking).
Optionally, a bus is operating between the cable car station and the starting point. Take the exit “Weichtalhaus” (few meters before the Höllental parking).
Please note that a full “Klettersteigset” (via ferrata set) is required for this tour! Due to rock fall, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended!
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. |
| 00:01 | Follow the trail parallel to the street (keep right 2x). |
| 00:10 | Ascent by following the iron stairs of the Schönbrunnerstiege. |
| 00:12 | Follow the blue marked route through the Höllental. |
| 00:25 | At the crossing with the forest street, turn left and follow the street upwards. |
| 00:40 | Go straight ahead on the crossing with Hoyossteig. |
| 00:42 | Turn left at the crossing with Teufelsbadstubensteig (see signpost!). |
| 00:45 | At the begin of Teufelsbadstubensteig, put on your via ferrata set and climb up the Via Ferrata (follow the cable). |
| 02:15 | Enjoy the awesome view at end of Teufelsbadstubensteig (best enjoyed with a self-brought ). |
| 02:25 | Follow the trail east-wards towards Wachthüttelkamm. Make sure you keep right and do not take the Preintalersteig which is an unprotected climbing route! |
| 02:30 | At the crossing with Wachthüttelkamm, turn right and follow the trail upwards. |
| 02:45 | Enjoy the amazing view towards Schneeberg from the Hocheck glade. |
| 03:30 | At the crossing (wide glade), keep left and follow the trail upwards to Ottohaus. |
| 03:45 | At the Schwaigriegelsattel (also known as Praterstern), turn left and follow the road east-wards towards the mountain station of the cable car. |
| 04:10 | Well deserved break ( ) at the Berggasthof (mountain station of the cable car). |
| 05:10 | Follow the trail northwards (towards the antenna) and descent via the Gsolhirnsteig (follow the blue markings). |
| 05:15 | Turn right and follow the trail downwards (blue markings). Keep right at the next crossing! |
| 05:25 | Turn right at the crossing and follow the Gsolhirnsteig trail downwards (see signposts!). |
| 05:55 | At the crossing, turn left and leave the forest road. Follow the trail on the left hand-side downwards. |
| 06:15 | Turn left into the gravel road and follow the road downwards. |
| 06:20 | Bypass the Knappenhof on its left hand-side and follow the trail downwards. |
| 06:25 | At the crossing, turn left and follow the trail downwards. The trail now crosses several time roads but leads directly to Hirschwang. |
| 06:50 | Arriving in Hirschwang. Turn left and follow the street towards the parking of the cable car. End of the tour. |
General Tour Data
| Area: | Rax/Schneeberg Group, Lower Austria, Austria | |
| Distance: | 14km | |
| Ascent: | 1116m (3h 05min) | |
| Descent: | 1129m (2h 05min) | |
| Highest Pt: | 1624m | |
| Lowest Pt: | 498m | |
| Duration: | 5h 50min (without breaks) 6h 50min (with breaks) |
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| Stop/Rest: |
Berggasthof Rax (1545m) Ottohaus (1644m) |
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| Equipment: | (Warm) Hiking shoes Via ferrata set incl. helmet Shoe chains (“Grödeln”) in winter Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and water 1x Gipfelbier () Sun & Weather protection Camera |
| Download GPX | ||
| O | Tour at outdooractive.com |
At a glance
| Level | easy-moderate |
| – Via Ferrata Category | A |
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