Via Ferrata Irg 2
moderate Via ferratas · D · Ramsau am Dachstein
For the approach from the Dachstein Mountain station, through the Rosmarie Stollen over the Edelgries Glacier, we recommend crampons in the morning (in hard snow conditions).
The route, which was constructed by Ramsau’s mountain guides, was named after the mountaineer who accomplished the first ascent of Dachstein's south face: Georg (Irg) Steiner. The constructors, under the guidance of Hans Prugger, set up a great route with good ‘changing spots’ for unclipping and re-clipping - there is either a good foothold or an iron peg.
In spring: Snowfields cover parts of the path to the entry and the descent - crampons are highly recommended.
Access: From Dachstein Gondola’s top station, ‘Hunerkogel‘, turn eastwards towards the Hunerscharte, then across the glacier to the top of the Austriascharte ski lift. Look for the aluminium ladder behind the lift which will take you to the entrance of the Rosmarie-Stollen tunnel. The tunnel takes you to the south side. Follow the hewn out path and hike down to the upper Edelgrießgletscher. Cross below the rock walls and start to hike north at the ridge (with the stone cairn) until you reach the entry point.
Descent: Hike down along the secured west-ridge Via Ferrata to the Austriascharte and then back to Dachstein Gondola’s top station. Alternatively, descend via the Edelgrießkar.
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.
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.
Parking lot at Gasthof Edelbrunn or at the bottom station of the Dachstein cable car (Tollroad)
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
Via Ferrata Equipment, crampons in the summer beginning
Up-to-date information: Bergführerbüro Ramsau am Dachstein or phone +43 664 522 0080.
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
Klettersteige (Via Ferratas) - Atlas Österreich Schall Verlag - only in German
Via Ferratas English- TV Schladming-Dachstein (You will find the pdf file under "Klettersteige")