Exciting and promising climbing / alpine tour up to the Heukuppe / Rax via Wildes Gamseck (UIAA II), and descending via Zahmes Gamseck (A/B)
The tour starts at the parking Nasskamm (GPS: 47.706643, 15.658779) and first follows the forest road upwards towards Kleine Nass and then towards Gamseck. At the Gupfsattel (saddle), the tour turns left into an unmarked trail eastwards that heads directly to the start of the Gamseck climbing route. The climbing route itself is very well marked and leads up relatively easy (mostly UIAA I+ with some parts II-, the crux is II) but slightly exposed to the Gamseck summit. The tour then follows the hiking trail again towards the Heukuppe summit, the highest point of the Rax. After descending towards and a deserved break in the Karl-Ludwig-Haus, the tour then uses the hiking trail around the Heukuppe back and descends via the Gamsecksteig via ferrata (A/B) back to the Gupfsattel. After an optional but recommended detour up to Grabnergupf summit with its stunning view, the tour then follows the same route back to the parking as used for the ascent.
This tour is an alpine tour with serious and exposed rock climbing parts and requires a sure foot, not being afraid of heights and good climbing skills (UIAA II). Using a rope is recommended for inexperienced climbers, the route has corresponding bolts! For the descent via the Zahmes Gamseck, a via ferrata set is recommended!
Tour Description
| 00:00 | Start at the parking lot Nasskamm (GPS: 47.706643, 15.658779) and follow the red-white-red marked forest road upwards (eastwards). |
| 00:05 | At the crossing, turn left into the small red-white-red marked trail towards Rax and follow the trail upwards. |
| 00:25 | At the crossing, turn right but then use the small trail on the left hand-side up to Kleine Nass / Nasskamm. |
| 00:27 | At the crossing of Nasskamm, turn right and follow the trail towards Zimmermannhütte / Gamseck (see signposts). |
| 00:45 | After the u-turn, turn sharp right into the small trail (watch out for the red-white-red stake!) towards the Zimmermannhütte ( This crossing can be easily overlooked, especially in winter and will lead to a dead-end). |
| 00:47 | Pass by the Zimmermannhütte and follow the red-white-red marked trail upwards. |
| 01:05 | At the Gupfsattel, turn left and follow the unmarked but visible trail up which brings you directly to the Wilde Gamseck climbing route. |
| 01:40 | Enjoy the view (e.g. towards Habsburghaus at your left or Schneealpe behind you) at the end of the hiking trail and at the start of the climbing route. This is a perfect place for a short break. |
| 01:50 | Now follow the red markings which lead you through the climbing route. Watch out for the markings, they will lead you through the terrain! |
| 02:35 | Short break at the summit of Gamseck (end of climbing route). Enjoy the amazing view from there towards Schneealpe, Grabner-Gupf and Heukuppe (best enjoyed and celebrated with a self-brought refreshment (). |
| 02:50 | Follow the trail southwards towards the visible summit of Heukuppe. |
| 03:00 | At the crossing, keep slightly left and follow the marked trail up towards Heukuppe (see signposts). |
| 03:20 | Enjoy the view from Heukuppe (the highest peak of the Rax). |
| 03:30 | Continue following the hiking trail eastwards towards the already visible Karl-Ludwig-Haus (hut). |
| 03:35 | At the Schneegrubensattel (saddle), turn left and follow the trail which leads directly towards the Karl-Ludwig-Haus. |
| 03:45 | Well deserved break ( ) at Karl-Ludwig-Haus. |
| 04:30 | Follow the trail back, first heading towards the Heukuppe but then turn right after a few meters (towards Gamseck around the Heukuppe). |
| 05:00 | At the crossing, keep straight and follow the marked trail towards Gamsecksteig (see signpost). Descend via the Zahmes Gamseck (aka Gamsecksteig) Via Ferrata. |
| 06:05* | Recommended detour: At the Gupfsattel (saddle), now keep straight and follow the (steep but short) trail up to Grabnergupf (see signpost). |
| 06:10* | Enjoy the very impressive view towards Rax and Schneealpe from the Grabnergupf summit. Obviously, best enjoyed with a self-brought refreshment (). |
| 06:20 | Climb down to the Gupfsattel and then use the same trail back first to the Kleine Nass and then to the parking as used for the ascent. |
| 07:00 | Back at the parking, end of the tour.. |
General Tour Data
| Area: | Rax/Schneeberg Group, Styria, Austria | |
| Distance: | 17km | |
| Ascent: | 1236m (2h 20min) | |
| Descent: | 1216m (1h 20min) | |
| Highest Pt: | 2007m | |
| Lowest Pt: | 980m | |
| Duration: | 5h 50min (without breaks) 7h 00min (with breaks) |
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| Stop/Rest: | Karl-Ludwig-Haus (1804m) | |
| Equipment: | Hiking shoes with good grip (on rock) Full Via Ferrata Set Helmet! Rope and quickdraws (for inexperienced climbers) Backpack with standard hiking equipment Food/snacks and plenty of water 2x “Gipfelbier” () Sun & Weather protection Camera |
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| Topo/Map: | Wildes Gamseck (UIAA II) |
| Download GPX | ||
| O | Tour at outdooractive.com |
At a glance
| Level | easy – moderate alpine |
| – UIAA Level (Climbing) | II |
| – Via Ferrata Category | A/B |
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