Cross the “Hohe Wand” plateau from the rear side by using two easy via ferratas (A/B)
This promising tour uses two very easy via ferratas (Cat. A/B, A – suitable for beginners) but allows stunning views towards Schneeberg and on good weather conditions even till Ötscher. The tour begins in Dürnbach, and first leads to the Dürnbacher waterfall. It then follows a few meters the street up but then follows the trail at the opposite side of the former Nazwirt. After hiking through the forest (following the red/yellow markings and signposts towards Kleine Klause), the tour finally leads into the Kleine Klause (or Naturfreunde) via ferrata. 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). After a short break at the Naturparkstüberl, the tour then crosses the plateau (trail through the wood) till reaching the Neue Welt Blick view point. After a lunch break at Gasthof Luf, the trail crosses back the plateau towards the Waldeggerhaus. From there, the trail allows an awesome view towards Schneeberg and on clear days even to Ötscher and beyond. After a break at the Waldeggerhaus the tour 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 crossing (park side of the street) towards the Dürnbacher waterfall GPS: 47.856986, 16.039335) in Dürnbach. |
| 00:01 | Follow the small street on the right, cross the bridge and then follow the small trail towards the Waterfall. |
| 00:05 | Enjoy the big waterfall and then follow the trail upwards towards the former Nazwirt. |
| 00:15 | Follow the stairs opposite the former Nazwirt (turn left!) and the trail marked red/yellow towards Kleine Klause (see signposts!). |
| 00:17 | Turn right, following the trail marked with a red arrow towards Kleine Klause (see signpost). |
| 00:35 | At the big crossing, keep left upwards and follow the trail marked with a yellow and red arrow. |
| 00:42 | 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. |
| 00:45 | Climb up using the iron rungs at the entrance of the Kleine Klause / Naturfreundesteig. |
| 01:20 | At the trail crossing before the street, turn right and follow the small trail next to the street. |
| 01:27 | At the crossing, turn right and follow the trail northwards towards the viewing platform (tower). |
| 01:30 | At the u-turn, keep left and follow the trail towards the viewing platform (tower). |
| 01:35 | Climb up the tower (viewing platform) and enjoy the impressive surrounding view. |
| 01:35 | Climb down the tower and follow the trail straight ahead towards the Naturpark and the various animal compounds. |
| 01:50 | Have fun at the playground (climbing wall) and descent towards the street (keep right). |
| 01:55 | Well deserved break () at the Naturparkstüberl. |
| 02:45 | After the break, follow the street upwards (keep right), do not proceed to the parking! |
| 02:50 | Turn left and follow the trail, bypassing a hut. |
| 02:52 | Turn right and follow the trail around the deer compound. |
| 02:53 | Turn left and follow the trail towards Hochkogel. |
| 03:05 | CRoss the trail (stay straight) and follow the trail towards Neue Welt Blick. |
| 03:11 | Cross the trail (stay straight) which leads to the ridge (Neue Welt Blick). |
| 03:20 | Enjoy the view from Neue Welt Blick. and then follow the trail back (keep straight all time) towards the Hochkogelhaus (hotel) and the Gasthof Luf. |
| 03:30 | Well deserved break ( ) at Gasthof Luf. |
| 04:45 | Continue on the trail eastwards (left). |
| 04:48 | Turn left and follow the trail northwards. |
| 05:05 | Follow the trail next to the street till reaching the street crossing. |
| 05:25 | Cross the street (stay straight) and then keep slightly left and follow the trail up towards the Waldeggerhaus. |
| 05:30 | Well deserved break () at Waldeggerhaus. Enjoy the view from there towards Schneeberg and on clear days even to Ötscher and beyond. |
| 06:05 | Pass by the Waldeggerhaus (through its yard) and follow the trail downwards. |
| 06:15 | Follow the trail downwards (marked blue), crossing the forest road. |
| 06:25 | At the crossing, turn left and follow the blue marking towards Große Klause (see signposts). |
| 06:30 | Upper end of the Große Klause via ferrata. Use the first ladder downwards and follow the blue marked trail. |
| 06:35 | After climbing down the long iron ladder, inspect the cave located next to the ladder (left side when looking upwards). |
| 06:40 | Continue the trail downwards till reaching the street. |
| 06:50 | First, follow the street downwards (keep left) and then at the crossing with the other street, turn right. |
| 06:55 | At the first possibility, turn left and walk down the street towards the houses. |
| 07:05 | End of the tour. |
General Tour Data
| Area: | Wiener Alpen, Lower Austria, Austria | |
| Distance: | 13,5km | |
| Ascent: | 703m (2h 05min) | |
| Descent: | 702m (1h 45min) | |
| Highest Pt: | 1036m | |
| Lowest Pt: | 467m | |
| Duration: | 5h 00min (without breaks) 07h 05min (with breaks) |
|
| Stop/Rest: | Naturparkstüberl (1007m) Gasthaus Luf (932m) Waldeggerhaus (1002m) |
|
| Equipment: | Hiking shoes with good grip (on rock) Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and water 1x “Gipfelbier” () [in case huts are closed] Sun & Weather protection Camera Optional: Via ferrata set incl. helmet |
|
| Topo/Map: | Naturfreundesteig (Kleine Klause) (A/B) |
| Download GPX | ||
| O | Tour at outdooractive.com |
At a glance
| Level | easy |
| – Via Ferrata Category | A/B |
| Technique | |
| Shape / Fitness | |
| Experience | |
| Scenery | |
| Best time in the year | |
|
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
|
|
Leave a Reply