Via ferrata Sky Walk (Dachstein)

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

Sky Walk is one of the most difficult via ferratas in the Eastern Alps. The steel cable goes over the gondola that goes to 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 Vallon – technical details

• Hunerkogel mountain (2685m/8809ft);
• extremely difficult D/E;
• extremely exposed; it requires considerable arm strength;
• duration ~2h30;
• ascent 150m;
• start point: Dachstein Gondola’s bottom station;
• Race the SkyWalk takes place every year; best time for doing the via ferrata: 12 mins (WOW!);

⚠️Via ferrata not suitable for casual via ferrata climbers and beginners!

⚠️Climbing shoes or special via ferrata shoes (without a profile) for better friction are an advantage.

Photos in chronological order

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