Via Ferrata Koppenkarstein Westgrat

easy Via ferratas · B · Ramsau am Dachstein

Tour characteristics
Stamina
Tour-Infos
Distance: 2.57 km
Duration: 05:00 h
Ascent: 391 m
Descent: 289 m
Best time of year
january
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The tour
The Kleiner and Grosser Koppenkarstein, both very scenic mountains, are relatively easy to reach by means of the Westgrad Klettersteig. The via ferrata is also sitable for climbers with less fixed-cable experience, even featuring a unique rope bridge across the Austriascharte. However, the elevation (ca. 3000 m) should be taken into consideration. This is also the descent route for the Irg 2 via ferrata.
Turn-by-turn directions
Access: from the gondola's mountain station walk east across towards the Hunerscharte (goods cable lift) and towards the clearly visible rope on the ridge (follow the markings). Alternatively, you can follow the Hunerscharte along the north side, below the ridge, to the Rosmarie-Stollen via an easy, vertical ladder (difficulty B).  To the left of the Rosmarie-Stollen, a steel rope (B/C) leads up the west ridge. You will reach the ridge after passing the rope bridge.  

Descent: go back via the rope bridge to the Rosmarie-Stollen and via the ladder down to the glacier, or follow the same path you used for the ascent.

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
Dachstein Gondola's Mountain Station
Destination
Dachstein Gondola's Mountain Station
Equipment

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

Weather forecast

Date
in the morning
-4°C
at noon
-3°C
in the evening
-4°C
Dull throughout the day with light snowfall every once in a while.
in the morning
-3°C
at noon
-4°C
in the evening
-3°C
Dull throughout the day with frequent, but fairly light snowfall.
in the morning
-5°C
at noon
-1°C
in the evening
-3°C
Morning clouds will clear gradually. Then frequent sunny periods.

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