Via ferratas have a special place in the Schladming-Dachstein region, and that's been the case since 1843. It's no wonder that around the "cradle of via ferratas in the Eastern Alps" on the Dachstein, a true paradise has emerged for all fans of vertical recreation.
Clicking carabiners on steel cables. The feel of grippy rock under your fingers. The final push to the summit and the magnificent view that compensates for all the effort put into the ascent - that's what makes via ferrata climbs so incredibly compelling!
In 1843, the Alpine explorer Friedrich Simony built the first via ferrata in the Eastern Alps on the Dachstein, known as the Randkluftsteig. Today, the region boasts a grand total of 32 via ferratas, ranging in elevation from 700 to almost 3,000 meters. Ramsau am Dachstein, in particular, has made a name for itself amongst via ferrata fans. The sunny plateau set against the backdrop of the Dachstein's southern walls is home to a total of 22 via ferratas. Even today, you can feel the pioneering spirit of the past, on the Randkluftsteig for example, as you climb to the “Rooftop of Styria” on Simony's trail. If you are looking for a greater challenge and have the necessary experience, the "Dachstein Super Ferrata" offers one of the longest and most demanding via ferratas in the Alps.
However, via ferrata climbing is by no means only reserved for the most experienced ferratisti. In Ramsau am Dachstein, for example, beginners and children can gain their first experiences in via ferrata climbing on two children's via ferratas, three youth via ferratas, and in "Kalis Klettersteiggarten".
Via ferrata climbing areas have also been established in other places in the region. On the Reiteralm for example, the "Franzi" via ferrata offers a great physical challenge accompanied by sensational views of Ennstal and the Dachstein massif. Further east, on the Stoderzinken, there is a big via ferrata center. With a total of 6 via ferrata variants difficulty-rated A to E and a suspension footbridge as the highlight, beginners as well as advanced climbers will find the excitement they crave.
Whether you want to climb in the footsteps of pioneers like Simony, seek a challenging vertical adventure, or simply want to gain your first rock-climbing experiences, it's all possible thanks to the via ferratas in the Schladming-Dachstein region!
