Schulter-Klettersteig (Hoher Dachstein) — via ferrata in Ramsau am Dachstein

Dachstein · Ramsau am Dachstein, Steiermark

The route up the Hoher Dachstein (2,995 m) via the Schulter, joining the Randkluftsteig below the summit. The approach from the cable car top station crosses the crevassed Hallstätter Gletscher. It became the safer alternative to the classic ascent, which the retreating glacier has made dangerous.

The regional portal and brochure rate the route B; bergsteigen.com gives C because a short section right at the start gets harder when snow and glacier levels are low. We give C.

Route details

DifficultyC
Route length600 m
Vertical gain250 m
Climbing time1 h 30 min
Approach1 h
Altitude2995 m a.s.l.

Season and hours

Free access, but only in season. Season: June – October.

The route is unstaffed and free to enter — the months below are the season from the Dachstein regional brochure (2024), not opening hours. Higher up, snow decides: in spring and after autumn snowfall the approaches hold firn fields, and crampons and an ice axe are needed. Check conditions with the cable car operator or the Ramsau tourist office.

Gear and requirements

A full via ferrata kit (harness, EN 958 lanyard, helmet) AND glacier gear: crampons, an ice axe and a rope, plus crevasse-rescue skills. The approach crosses a crevassed glacier — do not start without that gear.

Requirements: The regional brochure gives a minimum age of 14.

Tickets: The via ferrata itself is free. The standard approach uses the paid Dachstein Gletscherbahn; in summer seats must be reserved and fares change every season. A toll road leads to the valley station — if you ride the cable car, the road ticket is validated free of charge at the top station.

Other via ferratas on the map

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