Traverse the Hohe Wand from north to south (“Kleine Klause” & “Straßenbahnerweg”) and from south to north (“Krumme Ries” & “Große Klause”)
This promising tour uses two very easy via ferratas (Cat. A/B, A – suitable for beginners) and combines them with interesting but advanced hiking routes to traverse the Hohe Wand from north to south and then back from south to north. The tour begins in Dürnbach, and first leads into the Kleine Klause (or Naturfreunde) via ferrata (A/B). The ferrata itself uses many iron rungs and some ladders (most of the time no cable) but is easy to climb. At the end of Kleine Klause, the tour then follows the hiking trail on the right side towards the viewing platform (tower) that allows a stunning view on the surrounding mountains (e.g. the Schneeberg). The tour then crosses the plateau (trail through the wood) till reaching Gasthof Luf at the southern end of the plateau. After a lunch break at Gasthof Luf, the trail descends via the Straßenbahnerweg and then follows the Wandfußsteig for a few meters. The tour then ascends again to the Hohe Wand plateau via the Krumme Ries, either a very easy climbing route OR an advanced hiking trail. At the end of this trail, the tour offers impressive views into the valley. The tour then follows the hiking trail north to the Waldeggerhaus and then continues and descends via the Große Klause (or Waldegger Steig – blue markings). This very easy via ferrata uses many iron ladders and passes by several caves. One of them can be even easily visited since its entrance is directly next to one of the longer iron ladders. The trail then ends again in Dürnbach.
| 00:00 | Start at the street (park side of the street) above the Dürnbacher waterfall (GPS: 47.853836, 16.032775) and follow the street up. |
| 00:03 | Turn left and follow the stairs opposite the former Nazwirt and then the red/yellow marked trail towards Kleine Klause (see signposts!). |
| 00:05 | Turn right, following the trail marked with a red arrow towards Kleine Klause (see signpost). |
| 00:25 | At the big crossing, keep left upwards and follow the trail marked with a yellow and red arrow. |
| 00:30 | At the forest road’s turn, follow the small trail straight ahead towards the big rock. Keep right and follow the trail towards the start of the Kleine Klause via ferrata. |
| 00:35 | Climb up using the iron rungs at the entrance of the Kleine Klause / Naturfreundesteig. |
| 01:00 | At the trail crossing before the street, turn right and follow the small trail next to the street. |
| 01:10 | At the crossing, turn right and follow the trail northwards towards the viewing platform (tower). |
| 01:13 | At the u-turn, keep left and follow the trail towards the viewing platform (tower). |
| 01:15 | Climb up the tower (viewing platform) and enjoy the impressive surrounding view. |
| 01:25 | Climb down the tower and follow the trail straight ahead towards the Naturpark and the various animal compounds. |
| 01:40 | Turn right and follow the marked trail above the street southwards. |
| 01:45 | Turn left, cross the street and follow the red-white-red marked trail southeastwards. |
| 01:46 | At the crossing, first turn right and then left and follow the trail towards Gasthof Luf (see signposts). |
| 02:05 | At the crossing, turn left and follow the trail eastwards towards Gasthof Luf. |
| 02:10 | Well deserved break ( ) at Gasthof Luf. |
| 03:10 | Follow the street back for a few meters and turn left between Gasthof Luf and Hochkogelhaus into the Straßenbahnerweg (see signpost). |
| 03:25 | Turn left and follow the blue marked Wandfußsteig for a few meters. |
| 03:30 | Turn left and follow the red marked Krumme Ries trail upwards. Note that this trail requires a sure foot and is a very easy climbing route. |
| 03:35 | Climb up by following the red dot markings. |
| 03:55 | Enjoy the impressive view from Maiersdorfer Rast at the end of the Krumme Ries. The view is best enjoyed with a self-brought refreshment (). |
| 04:00 | Follow the marked trail westwards up into the forest. |
| 04:05 | Cross the forest street and follow the upper forest street (keep straight ahead). |
| 04:10 | At the crossing, keep straight ahead towards the street and leave the marked hiking trail. Turn right into the street and follow the street towards Waldeggerhaus. |
| 04:30 | Cross the main street and continue following the street straight ahead. Keep slightly left after the crossing and follow the trail directly up towards the Waldeggerhaus. |
| 04:40 | Enjoy the impressive view from Waldeggerhaus towards Schneeberg and on clear days till Ötscher. Take a well deserved break at the Waldeggerhaus ( ). |
| 05:15 | Continue the blue-marked trail north through the garden of Waldeggerhaus. |
| 05:30 | At the crossings, keep 2x straight ahead. |
| 05:32 | Cross the forest street by keeping slightly left but continue straight ahead. |
| 05:35 | At the crossing, keep straight ahead (do not follow the trail towards Dürnbach yet). |
| 05:40 | Cross the forest street and continue following the trail straight ahead. |
| 05:45 | At the crossing, turn left and follow the blue arrow towards Große Klause. |
| 05:50 | Climb down the various ladders and descend via the Waldeggersteig (aka Große Klause) via ferrata. |
| 06:20 | Follow the road and turn left into the street which brings you back directly to the parking. |
| 06:35 | Back at the parking, end of the tour. |
General Tour Data
| Area: | Wiener Alpen, Lower Austria, Austria | |
| Distance: | 13km | |
| Ascent: | 855m (2h 30min) | |
| Descent: | 862m (2h 10min) | |
| Highest Pt: | 1036m | |
| Lowest Pt: | 483m | |
| Duration: | 5h 05min (without breaks) 06h 35min (with breaks) |
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| Stop/Rest: | Naturparkstüberl (1007m) Gasthaus Luf (932m) Waldeggerhaus (1002m) |
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| Equipment: | Hiking shoes with good grip (on rock) Shoe chains (“Grödeln”) in winter Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and water 1x “Gipfelbier” () Sun & Weather protection Camera Optional: Via ferrata set incl. helmet |
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| Topo/Map: | Naturfreundesteig (Kleine Klause) (A/B) |
| Download GPX | ||
| O | Tour at outdooractive.com |
At a glance
| Level | moderate |
| – Via Ferrata Category | A/B |
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