Via Ferrata: “Rax via Alpenvereinssteig (B) & descending via Wachthüttelkamm”

Climb up the Rax through the Höllental via the “AV-Steig”

This tour leads through the exciting Höllental up to the Rax. Although the tour is long, it is fairly easy (cat. B, I-) and thus suitable for beginners. But due to the exciting scenery, it is also enjoyable for experienced persons. And the best part is that the via ferrata exits at the popular Höllentalaussicht where even beginners are celebrated as heros by other hikers that reached this point via other means (e.g. cable car).
The tour starts at the small parking in front of the tunnel at the Höllental (GPS: 47.746355, 15.763405) where a small trail leads towards the Schönbrunnerstiege. Following a long hiking trail through the Höllental finally takes you to a long iron ladder that is the beginning of the “Alpenverreinssteig” (via ferrata).

Tip: The tour can be shortened having two cars and park one car at the valley station of the Rax cable car. This allows descending the Rax via the cable car.

Please note that a full “Klettersteigset” (via ferrata set) is required for this tour!

Tour Description

00:00	Start at the parking lot Höllental (before the tunnel). The trail starts opposite of the parking lot.
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 Hoyosteig.
00:45	Keep right at the crossing to Teufelsbadstubensteig.
00:50	Follow the trail by keeping right at the crossing to Gaislochsteig. The trail now leads through a scree slope towards the AV-Steig.
01:00	The iron ladder marks the starting point of the AV-Steig. Put on your via ferrata set (“Klettersteigset”) here.
01:55	Cross the traverse (Querung).
02:45	Climb up the channel (Rinne).
03:00	Turn left and climb up the iron ladder at the crossing to the exit of the Gustav-Jahn-Steig.
03:50	Exit the AV-Steig at the Höllentalaussicht and enjoy the awesome view from there. This is also a very good place to enjoy the self-brought refreshments ().
04:30	Take a well-deserved rest and break at the Ottohaus ().
05:30	Return back to Praterstern but follow the route straight ahead (marked red) towards Wachthüttelkamm.
06:20	Turn right and follow the route at the crossing with the exit of Teufelsbadstubensteig.
07:55	After descending via endless ladders, return at the parking lot.

At a glance

Level	easy-moderate
– Via Ferrata Category	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:		10km
Ascent:		1100m (3h 20min)
Descent:		1091m (2h 20min)
Highest Pt:		1646m
Lowest Pt:		580m
Duration:		6h 30min (without breaks) 8h 00min (with breaks)
Stop/Rest:		Ottohaus (1644m) or Berggasthof Rax (1545m)
Equipment:		Via ferrata set incl. helmet Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and enough water Sun & Weather protection Camera
Topo/Map:		Alpenvereinssteig