How To Climb “Stairway To Heaven” Via Ferrata in Austria
The “Stairway to Heaven” also known as Intersport / Donnerkogel Klettersteig is a thrill seekers dream which climbs high above Gosausee in Austria.
It takes the name from the 40m ladder section about two thirds up the route which crosses a deep gulley in the mountain range (see above)
The route itself is rated a C/D route (difficult) and is recommended you have some experience in via ferrata / klettersteig before attempting. This was obvious once I started the route as from the beginning there are some difficult sections which require some technique or decent upper body strength. A lot of the route however is graded A/B which is Easy/Medium but there is vast exposure even at these sections so a good head for heights is required.
The route can be broken down into two parts, before and after the ladder. Beforehand I found the route very nice, with the lake Gosausee to the left, some small vertical sections but mostly traversing (see below) it must be noted though I had good weather, it is recommended to avoid in the rain or aftermath of heavy rain due to the slippery rocks.
After around 1 1/2 to 2 hours you will reach the ladder. However this time is estimated as there was lots of “traffic” on the route when I went on a summers day in August after days of rain, adventure enthusiasts gathered to climb the route in the 48 hour good weather window. When you arrive at the ladder this is your final chance to leave the route down to the right of the ladder back onto the trail where you can either turn left up to the summit or down to the right to the cable car / alpine hut.
The ladder has a 3 person weight limit however I saw at times people going 1 at a time and some people going 4 at a time.
The ladder section gives you a real rush as it sways slightly with the wind and weight of other climbers steps above and below you. (See below)
After the ladder I personally believe the route really steps it up a notch. You have around 30-45 minutes of high exposure climbing to do now as you go up and over the ridge-line to the summit (see below). I saw a few people struggling here however there is NO way off at this point so if you are here the safest thing you can do is try to keep a clear mind and persevere to the summit where there is an easy decent on the north / west side of the mountain.
After the small C/D sections it then turns to A/B in the final push to the summit.
Once you are at the summit if you got lucky with the mountain gods and the summit isn’t covered in clouds you will have a magical view of the surrounding area. I even managed to see the snow capped matterhorn as clear as day on the horizon. The summit cross is majestic and a real sense of achievement. Grab your pictures, sign the summit book and head on straight and slightly to the right for about 1-2 hours and you’ll reach the hut which is the starting point.
Here’s a drone shot I took of the summit below.
Things to note
The first cable car is at 8:15, if you want to beat the rush I suggest doing so
The last cable car down is 17:50 in summer if you miss it you have an extra 90 minutes to hike
The return trip cost me 22 Euros
The starting point is at the car park just 5 minute walk from the cable car (see below)
If it’s your first ferrata I suggest trying the smaller ferrata to the left of Gosausee which is graded C but has sections as difficult as this route, just not as exposed. Otherwise hire a guide from somewhere.
Here is a route overview (not my image)
And there you go! I hope you enjoy the route, if you have any questions please message my Instagram @willem.explores
peace ✌🏻