Mammut via ferrata circuit

Between Grünau im Almtal and Hinterstoder, mountaineers can find a generous via ferrata paradise Two regions, two valley locations and three mountain huts

The two oldest tourist regions in Upper Austria - the Salzkammergut and the Pyhrn-Priel region - are now connected by the Mammut climbing route. It gives mountaineers access to the three highest peaks in the Dead Mountains: the Großer Priel (2515 m), the Spitzmauer (2442 m) and the Schermberg (2396 m). Whether you climb from Hinterstoder or from Grünau im Almtal, it's up to your personal taste left. The long summit ascents are significantly shortened by the cozy mountain huts of the Alpine Club, they offer protection, food and accommodation.

There are also several practice facilities in the immediate vicinity of the Welser Hut and the Prielschutzhaus, where climbing beginners can gain their first experience or improve their technique with the steep walls tower over the surrounding peaks, the mountain plateau and the plains.

Thanks to this topography, spectacular and challenging via ferratas could be created, which demand a lot from the mountaineer.Three via ferratas lead to three peaksThe Stodertaler Steig on the Spitzmauer, category B, is the easiest of the three climbing systems and was built in 1988. As a direct ascent, it leads to what is probably the most beautiful mountain figure in the Dead Mountains. Because of its shape, it is also called the "Matterhorn of the Eastern Alps". A classic in Austria is the Bert-Rinesch-Steig on the Großer Priel, built in 1994. It is named after the mountain guide Bert Rinesch who was killed in an accident in 1995 and who was very committed to its construction. The extremely long, difficult and selective via ferrata of category D inspires with a varied route that follows the diverse rock and wall formations.

On the Almtaler side of the Mammut Tour, the Tassilo via ferrata leads to the Schermberg, the third highest peak in the Dead Mountains, but also the one with the highest wall. Exactly above along the ridge, the via ferrata, which was only built in 2009, runs and allows breathtaking views that push the adrenaline level upwards. The via ferrata, named after the historic Bavarian Duke, has a difficulty level of C / D and impresses with its length and modern routing.

The builders around Martin Berner from Bergstatt Lienz used the beautiful rock formations and placed only a few steps on the continuously secured facility. Unique karst landscape But not only the outlook and deep views of the mammoth round captivate us, it is also the unique karst landscape in the largest stone desert in Central Europe. The lonely, endless expanse of the limestone plateau is full of sinkholes, cirques and shafts, without water far and wide, it probably gave the Dead Mountains its name. The well-marked trails are multifaceted and open up the Natura 2000 reserve in its harsh beauty. The smooth limestone slabs are marked by fossilized cow's step clams and lichen, and they are easy to walk on. They alternate with washed-out rocks with sharp-edged grooves, where concentration is required so that the foot does not get stuck. In the barren crevices there are delicate plant cushions, strong splashes of color in the gray rock. Again and again we cross remnants of old snow that have lingered in the depressions and climb over smaller sinkholes, mostly filled with stones, or marvel at deep crevices and gullies that form the entrance to an underworld that has not been explored Mountaineers now choose and a few new systems are added every year. In this way, alpine clubs and tourism associations are responding to the growing demand for secure climbing systems. Via ferrata enthusiasts are not only looking for a direct experience of nature, but also demanding physical activity and exciting challenges on the mountain, where it is a matter of exploring your own limits and overcoming them with a relatively low overall risk. 2 regions: Salzkammergut www.salzkammergut.at and Pyhrn-Priel- Region www.pyhrn-priel.net 2 valley locations: Mountaineering village Grünau im Almtal: www.gruenau-almtal.at www.bergsteigerdoerfer.at Ski World Cup location Hinterstoder: www.hinterstoder.at 3

Refuge huts: Almtaler Haus (714 m): www.almtalerhaus.at Welser Hut (1740 m): www.welserhuette.eu Prielschutzhaus (1420 m): www.prielschutzhaus.at 3 fixed rope routes - 3 peaks: Tassiloklettersteig (C / D) up the Schermberg (2396 m) Stodertaler Steig (B) on the Spitzmauer (2442 m) Bert-Rinesch-Steig (D) on the Großer Priel (2515 m)

Tour tips for the Mammut via ferrata tour:

 2 ½ days from the Almtal:

Day 1: Ascent to the Welser Hut (overnight stay)

Day 2: Tassilo via ferrata and descent to the Prielschutzhaus (overnight stay)

Day 3: Bert-Rinesch-Steig or Stodertaler Steig and descent into the valley

3 ½ days from the Stodertal:

Day 1: Ascent to the Prielschutzhaus (overnight stay)

Day 2: Stodertaler Steig, descent to the Prielschutzhaus (overnight stay)

Day 3: Bert-Rinesch-Steig, descent to the Welser Hut (overnight stay)

Day 4: Tassilo via ferrata, descent via Fleischbanksattel and Brotfallscharte to the Prielschutzhaus and into the valley Inquiries: Mag. Martha Rieß ARGE Mammut via ferrata round Project management: griessmartha@hotmail.com M .: 0664 39 69 645