Via ferratas in the Kaiser Mountains – a unique experience of the mountains!

The Kaiser region includes the area around the four villages Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll. The Kaiser Mountains are one of Austria’s most popular climbing destinations. In 1977, international climbing history was written when the route „Pumprisse“ (7th grade) at Fleischbank-Pfeiler was established. Popular alpine routes such as Totenkirchl, Predigtstuhl or Fleischbank trigger both respect and ambition. This climbing hot spot is recommended for both beginners and experienced climbers who search an individual challenge on rock. Aside from sport climbing routes, the Kaiser Mountains also offer multi pitches, via ferratas and climbing gyms. With a bit of fantasy, you can recognise the emperor’s, Charles the Great, profile between the Treffauer and Ellmauer Halt Peak. He gave the holiday region in the Tirolean Unterland its name (“Kaiser” = emperor).

4 tips for via ferratas in the Kaiser Mountains

• Eggersteig via ferrata: The Eggersteig via ferrata is 1,9 km long and lies between 1.450m and 2.000m above sea level. The access hike follows the Griesner Alm hut. The descent leads past the scenically beautiful Jubiläumssteig via ferrata to the Gruttenhütte hut. Alternatively, you can descend via the Kübelkar to the Gaudeamushütte and further into the valley to Ellmau. There are many opportunities for refreshments along the way.
• Jubiläumssteig via ferrata: The Jubiläumssteig via ferrata is highly recommended due to its beautiful scenery: there are amazing rock formations, breathtaking viewpoints and traditional, rustic mountain huts. It starts at the Wochenbrunner Alm in Ellmau (1.085 m). From there, you follow the direction of the Gaudeamushütte hut and Gruttenhütte hut. To descend, follow the path, “Steig 812”, from the Ellmauer Tor in the direction of the Gaudeamushütte and the Wochenbrunner Alm. There are many opportunities for refreshments along the way.
• Klamml via ferrata: The Klamml via ferrata was established in 2013 and is 300m long. The access hike takes about 55 minutes and leads past the Wochenbrunner Alm, Gaudeamushütte hut and Klammlweg path. The via ferrata divided into two sections which are interconnected with a rope-bridge. You can also stop after the first section. The descent can be done via three different routes. There are many opportunities for refreshments along the way.
• Gamsängersteig via ferrata: The Gamsängersteig via ferrata is of medium difficulty and leads up to the highest peak of the Kaiser Mountains, the Ellmauer Halt (2.344 m). It starts at the Wochenbrunner Alm. The access hike via the Gaudeamushütte hut and Gruttenhütte hut takes about 1,5 hours. All in all, there is 1250m of vertical gain to be ascended. The descent leads via the Gruttenhütte hut and can be done via three different routes. There are many opportunities for refreshments along the way.