recommended route
Anna Klettersteig
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Dachstein SüdwandhüttePhoto: Tourismusverband Ramsau am Dachstein
One of the Alps’ most beautiful Via Ferrata leads through Dachstein’s south face, up to the top of Styria’shighest mountain, Hoher Dachstein (2996 m). This route is a challenge for all ferratista, requiring excellent fitness levels.
Beware: When descending the large snowfield, there can be large cavities under the snow cover, where you could break in at any time.
For the descent, we highly recommend crampons and an ice axe!
Given the romantic relationship between the “Styrian Prince” Archduke Johann and Anna Plochl, the daughter of a postmaster in Aussee, the couple is forever united in the eternal rock of the Dachstein.
The Via Ferrata Anna is a scenic and enchanting route up to Mitterstein, but it is not to be underestimated. Its entry point is at an elevation of approx. 1.800 m and the top is at approx 2.100 m.
Johann is comparable to the long Via Ferrata of the Dolomites. It is one of the Alps’ most beautiful protected climbing paths, making it particularly popular. The main difficulties are along the lower rock face, but there are also some passages along the upper part, in the 'Große Rampe' area that require full concentration and excellent fitness. There is a danger of falling rocks in the upper part. The entry to Johann is considered the hardest part, forcing many mountaineers to turn around. More than 700 metres of steel cable and 250 iron pegs lead you through this extremely difficult rock wall. The view across the LowerTauern and the Dachstein’s south face is incredible. The exit is at the Seethaler hut.
Climbed together, the Anna, Johann, and Dachstein Shoulder routes form the largest vertical drop in the world.
Author’s recommendation
A special challenge for all "climbing enthusiasts" is the full-day tour via the 3 via ferratas "Anna", "Johann" and the so called "shoulder climb" up to the summit of the Dachstein (2996 m). With about 1200 vm and about 10 h ascent, this variant is one of the most beautiful, powerful and outstanding via ferrata tours in the world. (Super Ferrata)
Track types
Rest stops
SeethalerhütteDrehort - Südwandhütte
Safety information
Hiking Via Ferrata routes is a demanding sport in rugged terrain. For your safety, please observe the following rules:
- Via Ferrata routes are demanding and require a good level of fitness, no hight vertigo and sure-footedness.
- Always use a helmet and, a Via Ferrata kit to attach yourself to the safety rope. Many mountain rescue missions are a result of carelessness and bad weather conditions.
- Many routes require most of the day. When planning a tour, always include the possibility of a sudden change of weather. Be prepared: carry spare clothing and a good stock of food supplies.
- Always show respect towards fellow mountaineers. Inform them about possible dangers if need be.
- Take care of our environment. Only take photographs and memories with you - leave no trace.
Alpine Emergency Numbers
Mountain rescue 140
Euro Emergency Call 112
Tips and hints
Latest Informationen at Bergführerbüro Ramsau am Dachstein or phone +43 664 522 0080.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Access Anna: From the bottom of the Dachstein cable car, follow the marked hiking path leading to the Dachstein Südwandhütte. From there, take the Pernerweg, past the sigh for the Johann Klettersteig, continuing down the Pernerweg until reaching the sigh fo the Anna Klettersteig.
Descent:
Option 1: take the access path for Johann to hike back down to the Südwandhütte (approx. 40 min).
Option 2: keep climbing along the Via Ferrata Johann up to the Seethalerhütte. From the glacier, take the gondola back down.
Hiking trail back down to Südwandhütte is in parts secured by an iron rope.
Note
Getting there
Arriving from the west:
From the west you can take the Munich-Salzburg motorway, continuing on the Tauern motorway (A 10) until the Ennstal junction. From here take the Ennstal A-road (the B 320) for around 30 km into the Schladming-Dachstein region, then take the Ramsau am Dachstein turn-off. Drive through the Ramsau Village and then turn left to Dachstein toll road. Continue up to the parking place Türlwand Hütte.
Arriving from the north:
From the south-east take the Pyhrnautobahn motorway (A 9) to the Liezen junction and then the Ennstal A-road (B 320) into the Schladming-Dachstein region. Then take the Ramsau am Dachstein turn-off. Drive through the Ramsau Village and then turn left to Dachstein toll road. Continue up to the parking place Türlwand Hütte.
Parking
Parking lot at the bottom station of the Dachstein glacier cable car
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Klettersteige (Via Ferratas) - Atlas Österreich Schall Verlag - only in German
Via Ferratas English- TV Schladming-Dachstein (You will find the pdf file under "Klettersteige")
Author’s map recommendations
Sommerfreizeitkarte WEST - available in all information offices of the TV Schladming-Dachstein
Alpenvereinskarte Nr. 14 - Dachsteingebirge
KOMPASS Karte 031 Der Dachstein, Ramsau, Filzmoos - available in Information office Ramsau am Dachstein
Equipment
Via ferrata equipment
Statistics
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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Rating
Photos from others