Via ferrata Schulter (Hoher Dachstein)

Via ferrata Schulter – this hiking was part of a 2-week trip in Europe (August 2016).

The Schulter via ferrata is followed by the Randkluft path up to the top of Hoher Dachstein mountain. This trail offers spectacular views over the Dachstein glacier.

⚠️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 Schulter – technical details

• Hoher Dachstein (2995m/9826ft);
• moderate difficulty A/B;
• alternative to the route over the Randkluftsteig which became dangerous due to glacier’s crevices;
• starting point: from the top of the Dachstein Gondola hike towards Seethalerhütte 2740m/8989ft (the highest shelter in Upper Austria; the hut is surrounded by the ice of the Dachstein glacier); the via ferrata’s starting point is closeby;
• distance 800m/2624ft;
• total hiking time ~1h10;

Photos in chronological order

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