Via ferrata Schmied – this hiking was part of a 2-week trip in Europe (August 2016).
Schmied is a medium-difficulty via ferrata in the Dachstein Mountains that crosses the rocky walls above the Gosaub lake.
⚠️Via ferrata (“iron path”) is a protected climbing route that consists of steel cable rails fixed to the rock and metal steps. It can also be built with ladders or suspension bridges. Via ferratas were first used during the World War I to get between mountains to avoid climbing an inaccessible ridge. They first appeared in the Dolomites, Italy.
⚠️When doing the outdoor activity called via ferrata, you have two carabiners clipped onto the steel cable and you climb the mountain in a safe way without necessarily being an expert in climbing. The carabiners are attached to a lanyard which is installed on a harness. A helmet is mandatory for protecting your head from falling rocks and gloves are optionally, but they will protect your hands from the friction with the steel cable and give you a better grip.
Via ferrata Schmied – technical details
- level of difficulty C (medium-difficult);
- 640m long;
- climbing time 2h30;
- starting point at Gasthof Gosauschmied parking lot;
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