View from the Johann via ferrata | © Loretta Kvitek/Erlebnisregion Schladming-Dachstein

Johann Klettersteig

difficult Via ferratas · D/E · Ramsau am Dachstein

Tour characteristics
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Tour-Infos
Distance: 0.38 km
Duration: 5:30 h
Ascent: 562 m
Descent: 1 m
Best time of year
january
february
march
april
may
juny
july
august
september
october
november
december
The tour

The Johann Klettersteig is an especially interesting and diverse, though long and very difficult via ferrata. The beginning of the via ferrata is a key section, forcing many a climber to turn back, though the rest of the route is very manageable. This via ferrata requires very good physical condition! A 700 m steel cable and more than 250 pegs accompany you up this difficult rockface. 

Comments:

The physical demands should not be underestimated, compounded by alevations over 2000 m above sea level. Especially in the middle section, there is a danger of rockslides! The via ferrata ends directly behind the Seethalerhütte on the Dachsteinwarte. This via ferrata is not suitable for childern or inexpirienced climbers.

Turn-by-turn directions

Approach:

From the valley station of the Dacshtein cable car on the clearly marked hiking path leading to the Dachstein Südwandhütte. From there, drop briefly down towards the Tor, then branch off at the sign marked "Johann Klettersteig". A distinct trail leads to the first safety features of the via ferrata, which often lies beneath the snow. Another option: Make your way up via the Anna Klettersteig.

Descent:

From the Seethalerhütte, a path takes you southeast across the Hallstatt glacier to the topstation of the Dachstein cable car. If you happen to miss the last lift, hike down via the Hunerschartensteig (ca. 2 h).

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
Start
Valley station Dachstein cable car
Destination
Top station Dachstein cable car
Security

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

Equipment

Via ferrata equipment

Weather forecast

Date
in the morning
4°C
at noon
2°C
in the evening
1°C
Snowfall and sleet will continue into the afternoon. Afterwards it will be dry, but mostly cloudy.
in the morning
-1°C
at noon
3°C
in the evening
1°C
Frequent snowfall. A slight chance of sunshine in the afternoon.
in the morning
-1°C
at noon
3°C
in the evening
1°C
Dull throughout the day with light snowfall every once in a while.

Tours nearby