Via ferrata Kufsteiner Klettersteig - Lower Gamskarköpfl

Route description

On the ascent through the Kaisertal it is easy to see why this idyllic valley was chosen the most beautiful place in Austria. Past the unmistakable Einödhöfen and converted mountain inns such as the "Bergkhof" and the "Pfandl", the mountaineer hikes between the Zahmen and Wilden Kaiser, surrounded by alpine flower meadows. In the background, the rock wall of the Totenkirchl rises up and the 1,000 m long plate lines of the Kleine Halt tower out. Few places offer such a variety of natural beauty as the Kaisertal. The fact that the valley has only been accessible via a tunnel since 2008 enables a very original preservation of the valley. Even today, only the residents and authorised special trips are allowed to enter the Kaisertal. The hustle and bustle at the entrance to the valley is considerable, but the longer the hike towards Hinterbärenbad (Anton Karg Haus) Hans Berger Haus takes, the quieter it becomes for nature lovers. At the end of the valley, two exemplary guided huts of the OEAV section Kufstein and the Naturfreunde await the guest. At the Hinterbärenbad it is still worth taking a break and enjoying the special idyll before the tour really starts! Behind the Hinterbärenbad, follow the Bettlersteig towards Kaindlhütte until the path to Güttlersteig branches off. There the path meanders up through the forest, before after the tree line the massif of the western emperor and the Gamskarköpfl appears. The via ferrata first leads slightly through the rock flanks over the first to the second rock band. On the black wall the rock climbs up for the first time and the trail shows its "claws". Now it continues partly airy and when the chimney is finished, the "Adlerhorst" waits as a resting place. Over several steps one reaches the airy gods' passage, which lives up to its name. Once again mobilize your strength and climb up to the summit! At the summit the via ferrata walker is greeted by the simple, beautiful wooden cross and the view over the Kaiser summits all around rewarded for the efforts of the day. After the climb you can hike up to the Sonneck. The descent finally leads over the alpine Güttlersteig back to the well-deserved stop in the Kaisertal. It is also possible to climb the Kaiserschützensteig (B/C I+) to the highest peak of the Kaiser, the Ellmauer Halt, on another day.

Attention: The Kufsteiner Klettersteig is a long and demanding via ferrata in very alpine terrain. A good endurance and sure-footedness are basic requirements for this tour. It is recommended to plan 2 days for the tour, including overnight stay!