List of forums / Austria / Northern Limestone Alps / Ennstal Alps

Ennstal Alps

VanSims3. 07. 2013 20:08:40

BOSRUCK

On Sunday morning (23.6. - right after the trip to Kamniti Lovec) I drive along the Tauern motorway to Radstadt and then on the road towards Graz past Schladming and through Liezen to the Ennstal Alps, which are mostly in upper Styria (part also in Upper Austria). Since bad weather was forecasted from Monday onwards, I set off on the tour on the first day despite the radio announcing ''thunderstorm possibility''. This tour was actually the main reason for my coming here. It's the ascent to the 1992 m high Bosruck or the traverse of the ridge from Arlingsattel to Kitzstein along the so-called Wildfrauensteig. Why ''wild women'', I don't know... winking

Bosruck forms the border ridge between Styria and Upper Austria. Under the mountain runs the Pyhrn motorway through the Bosrucktunnel, which is very noisy and whose rumble I ''enjoyed'' for most of the ascent. rolling

About 5-10 km behind Liezen is the village of Ardning, where for the tour starting point you follow the signs ''Ardningalm'' or ''Bosruck Südportal'' (another starting point is from the north from Spital am Pyhrn on the Upper Austrian side from where you drive to Bosruckhütte - but I don't know how to make a loop from there). To Ardningalm there's still a nice gravel road where I park under the hut, there are also signs. I follow the sign for Bosruck or Arlingsattel. Since I don't know exactly where or there are two paths, I take the less marked one past some hut through the forest (for the direct one at the junction turn left up the forest road). Red dots are a bit hard to follow but then it also leads to the forest road where it joins the first. From there on the markings are normal Austrian ''placards''. big

The path steeply ascends the meadow towards the saddle. From the saddle you can see Bosruckhütte on the other side, obviously not far from there either. I cross the pasture fence. The sign at the ridge entrance scares me a bit as it announces climbing up to III- in places. I don't know where they found that, maybe it means climbing without holding the cables (only self-belayed) at the key hardest spot at the beginning. Maybe it's written ambiguously to scare off the inexperienced.

One more thing: the via ferrata is marked on many portals (including e.g. the very reliable bergsteigen.at) as A/B or B. If we ignore the initial part, that's correct. The very beginning is a bit harder.

To this beginning from the saddle it's less than an hour's walk, which among other things passes by the ''Wildfrauenhöhle'' cave. Here the path already offers first concrete views of the Ennstal Alps. The most prominent is the neighboring Grosser Pyhrgas, which supposedly despite its sharpness is not that hard to reach via the normal route (hiking with a bit of easier climbing in the first degree - starting point Bosruckhütte).

While walking like that I reach the via ferrata entrance. The beginning is the hardest. It's rated B/C, some portals even C. The cable steeply almost vertically rises up the ridge. Good thing is that the rock is quite well structured, here and there the ''looseness'' rule typical for foreign via ferratas is omitted so you can hold it sometimes. I knew this part would be hard but it still surprises me a bit. After about 5-10 min of climbing the ridge slowly starts to ''flatten'' (difficulty say just good B) but becomes narrower and more exposed. I meet someone going down it - without protection. eek

He also tells me that's the hardest part, then it's all easier. When he leaves, another good five minutes and - the worst is behind me! smile

From there on the path is very ''varied'' as they say in those parts. So a mix of hiking, free climbing, via ferrata... the difficulty of free climbing in my opinion max II at some places, preferably II-, otherwise always within I, via ferrata parts after the hardest don't exceed B. But the ridge is exposed as a ridge, at some places we look deep into abysses,... So it requires absence of any fear of heights and sure foot!

After about an hour from the hardest part I reach the first ''cross'' - Frauenmauer summit. The cross is placed here in memory of a deceased mountaineer and I also encounter several memorial plaques along the path. As a warning and reminder. From here the cross of the main summit - Bosruck - is already visible! I continue. The path goes up and down as on a ridge and actually there's the most free climbing. In the final ascent the path is poorly marked or markings are almost faded and you have to watch not to stray. So you have to find optimal passages yourself which didn't always succeed for me. Well, finally I reach the place where it's only about 10 min walk to the second cross i.e. main Bosruck summit. Got it!

From the summit there's normally good view, well clouds started gathering a bit, mists were chasing a bit,... Actually while climbing I almost always saw the summit in mist and it cleared only now. Luck, otherwise with poor markings I'd have bigger orientation problems at the summit. From the summit you see most of the Ennstal Alps, including Hochtor (highest summit where unfortunately I didn't stand). For views towards Dachstein it was too cloudy, Hohe Tauern were visible but too misty to recognize anything. A female hiker who arrived at the summit a bit later explains the neighboring peaks to me.

After about half an hour break and snack I continue. From here to Kitzstein (last ''cross'') the path is still exposed but technically much easier (this is the second easier approach from Ardningalm for those who want to avoid the via ferrata). Only two cables left, some free climbing otherwise hiking. So I arrive at Kitzstein, third cross. From here the path branches back to Ardningalm (further along the ridge to Pyhrnpass).

The path back to Ardningalm in the upper part to the forest road is devilishly steep and rocky and poles help a lot. The marked path after joining the road is along meadows but unfortunately I lose the markings and have to plod along the road to the hut at Ardningalm. There for a beer, the hut warden says they have no more space to sleep and directs me to a private pension in Ardning where I then sleep. At night it pours and cools down and that was the start of bad weather that crossed some of my plans in the following days. sad

But the ''highlight'' tour of my stay there fully succeeded! smile

Ennstal Alps Bosruck ridge in the morning mists

Ennstal Alps Sign at the entrance to the ridge

Ennstal Alps Grosser Pyhrgas in the morning mists

Ennstal Alps Up there the end of the most difficult part

Ennstal Alps View back along the ridge - Bosruckhütte is in the valley below

Ennstal Alps The main summit of Bosruck is already visible above. If we look closely we see another cross on the lower summit (Frauenmauer)

Ennstal Alps View of the noisy Pyhrn motorway

Ennstal Alps The highest peak on the right - Grosser Buchstein. Unfortunately yet another peak I wasn't able to climb

Ennstal Alps View ahead towards Kitzstein

Ennstal Alps View from Kitzstein ahead along the ridge that leads to Pyhrnpass

Ennstal Alps View from Kitzstein back to Bosruck

Ennstal Alps View of the ridge from the path back to Ardningalm

Ennstal Alps At the hut on Ardningalm, chamois await me

Daaam3. 07. 2013 20:37:58

Superca..

VanSims4. 07. 2013 19:43:45

HESSHÜTTE

Monday and Tuesday then weren't good for anything, I could only wander a bit in the valley and even that was annoying because it was raining, temperatures then dropped to 9 degrees,...

It was a bit better on Wednesday. Since Hochtor (highest peak of Ennstal Alps) was seen covered in fresh snow, and the weather was still cold and unstable, I gave up the idea of ascending it. Next time. But I can go along the Wasserfalweg via ferrata (B) to Hesshütte, which lies directly below it. From there it's another two hours to the summit via Josefinensteig (that's also the normal approach to Hochtor - mostly hiking with some first-degree climbing and some protections up to A/B). Otherwise, the harder and very popular among experienced hikers ascent via Peterpfad (II free climbing).

Since the trip won't be that long, I start a bit later and park at Kumerbrücke. It is located on the road between the towns Admont (nice monastery to see) and Hieflau. Access to one of these two places can be found of course with Googlemaps or Garmin, while the starting point itself isn't on maps because it's not a town. But there's a bus stop there and when driving from one of the two places to the other, we just look at the signs on the stops. From Hieflau it's about 10 km, from Admont further after the turnoff to Jonsbach (another starting point for Hesshütte or Hochtor) and from Gstatterbodna (hamlet with small train station). When we find the Kummerbrücke bus stop we park on the parking lot next to it where there are also hiking signs. This part of Ennstal is also part of Gesäuse National Park.

So when I park, I head onto the path but right at the start I turn left instead of right and lose about 10-15 minutes on some path without markings to get to the right path. Even there I'm not quite sure if it's that one, since markings at the beginning are a bit sparse, well the path is more or less followable. Later it's better marked. The higher I climb the more I see the Enns river swollen from the precipitation of previous days. Possibility of minor floods was announced on the radio too. After about an hour to an hour and a half I reach the waterfall after which the path is named. There the path climbs a bit steeper, I already encounter one protection but to the real via ferrata it's still about 45 min of walking. The path winds in switchbacks from the waterfall to the wall, climbs along the wall and then I see a ladder already. Well, now it will finally start! No! zavijanje z očmi

I'm still waiting for knee-grinding switchbacks for about 15-20 min, well then it really starts.

The via ferrata itself isn't overly difficult, reaches difficulty B at some places, otherwise easier. Protections are ladders, holds, pegs, almost everywhere of course as befits a steel cable for self-belaying. The latter perhaps isn't even necessary for experienced, but recommended for others and children. But quite some caution is needed in the wet especially on exposed parts.

Somewhere at 2/3 of the via ferrata there's a bench (Emes-Ruhe) and there I snack a bit then the last part awaits me consisting of exposed B and three final ladders, which at least to me didn't seem difficult although they are supposed to represent the so-called 'grand finale'. After the exit I continue towards Hesshütte (another about an hour and a half) first through forest then across meadow named Erbensanger Boden then the path climbs a bit steeper in switchbacks levels out again then the last not overly steep ascent to Hesshütte follows.

In the hut prices for this altitude (1699 m) are overly inflated. Say it starts at tea, quarter liter - 2.40 EUR., not to mention further... I rest a bit in the hut anyway, spend nothing though. I just go to look at the signs for Hochtor and Planspitze, otherwise the weather was too bad for further ascent even if I had started earlier in the morning - the summits were in fog all the time - Hochtor though (as I saw in the morning and the next day) still in fresh snow.

So I descend back. Same path of course, no other here. To descend otherwise also to Johnsbach (other transport or bike). Down the via ferrata goes smoothly then annoying descent awaits me on all those switchbacks and paths, past the waterfall, which when I approach it from the side downhill and when a little wind blows, nicely sprays me zadrega

From the waterfall back the path is then easier, back to the car I arrive already in the dark.

First views to the other side of the valley

View of the wall - the via ferrata avoids this slope on the right

In the upper part the waterfall is still a brook

Waterfall from close up - the wind carries it a bit here too

VanSims5. 07. 2013 18:00:51

BUCHSTEINHAUS

On Thursday the weather improved a bit more. Even a bit of sun shone through the clouds. Since rain was forecast again for Friday and I already had trips and sights planned in the valley, I think: Grosser Buchstein, today or never (or when else mežikanje

). No announced rain or probability 'low', Grosser Buchstein on the south wall over which the via ferrata runs, from yesterday's path also looked dry. But I didn't count on... mrk pogled

well, let's recap nicely! nasmeh

I park next to Gstatterboden (parking before bridge over Enns left if coming from Admont or behind it right from Hiflau direction). Pack and go! Nicely over bridge, on other side big sign to Buchsteinhaus (2.5 hours, total to summit 5 hours). Go on gravel 5-10 min until hiking path branches into forest.

Path to Buchsteinhaus didn't seem too steep to me, especially last part gently (a bit boring) in serpentines similar to our Komna but half fewer turns. From path also see Hochtor across valley still 'snowy'. So even if overnighted in Hesshütte, couldn't go today, at most neighboring Planspitze which looked dry (access from Hesshütte hiking with I sections).

In Buchsteinhaus I inquire about path further to Grosser Buchstein, if winter gear needed anywhere,... Well, host says previous day tried via ferrata to summit but hit ice and turned back. Also says normal route (which I planned to descend, north exposed) still snow and shows with hands how much (ca 20-30 cm). Despite warmer weather than previous day and less ice probability, advises against ascent.

Hmm, think a bit more: so couldn't go down normal. Say due warmer weather no ice on ferrata too and previous day went down similar difficulty ferrata (B). But character of this ferrata on Grosser Buchstein (per bergsteigen.at) completely different from yesterday's to Hesshütte. That one went a bit forest path, bit gully, bit along wall, had ladders, pegs this one direct across wall (secure mostly natural passages), thus constantly exposed, no other protections than cable and even that not everywhere, all within I except initial zig-zag to deter inexperienced (II-).

Decide not to go. Probably could manage the route (if no more ice) also back but who knows. Listen to host and head back to valley. Since not far, will have to take maybe a weekend with good weather sometime and climb Hochtor and Grosser Buchstein. Definitely coming back!

Little hill above Gstatterboden - don't know the name

Path to Buchsteinhaus through the forest

Grosser Buchstein from in front of the hut - via ferrata goes along part of the wall left of the saddle in the middle then another half hour along the ridge to the top

Interesting pillars about ten minutes' walk from Buchsteinhaus

VanSims8. 07. 2013 20:00:38

STODERZINKEN

Disappointment from failed ascent to Grosser Buchstein I partially "cure" late afternoon with ascent to 2048 m high Stoderzinken above Gröbming, which formally already belongs to Dachstein group but since still above Enns valley I include it here.

That I could afford such high summit late afternoon thanks to panoramic road bringing to start ca 300 m below summit, from road end still about one hour ascent. According to my, admittedly 5-10 years old guide to Austrian Styria, this should be highest toll road in that province but at my arrival no trace of toll nasmeh

Road start in Gröbming from where follow signs to Stoderzinken. They lead to first bends, on one also hiking path to summit from valley starts. Road quite wide, well maintained and except last serpentines just before summit not too exposed. Summit has parking.

From parking to start (Steinerhaus hut - ca 5 min walk) of two paths to summit forming loop. Due late hour decide to go right up and down. Path from start first to monument of poet Peter Rosegger, friend of founder of tourist center up there Emil Ritter. There right branches path to chapel Friedenskircherl which I decide to visit on way back. Path left from monument on and after 30-40 min to summit. Path easy, no special features, suitable for families, kids, dogs,...

So reach summit cross. Unfortunately clouds cover better views which I sense must be fantastic, especially to Dachstein and Low Tauern. In background High Tauern visible and if not mistaken distant peak even Grossglockner. Neighbor Kamspitze visible towards Ennstal Alps but foggy there.

Then descend and at monument turn to Friedenskircherl. Actually a chapel built by Emil Ritter and on his wish belongs to no specific faith hence not consecrated by Catholic church. There stop, snack a bit, look around then notice start of path Florasteig also to summit. See cables and sign not for dizzy. Looks interesting path, pity didn't go to chapel on way up as darkening already had to back to car. Then on panoramic road already half-dark drive to valley.

Stoderzinken from the starting point at Steinerhaus

VanSims9. 07. 2013 19:13:45

STEIRISCHER BODENSEE

On Friday there was bad weather with rain, in the morning it was still somewhat okay (occasionally drizzling a bit) so I could go see another natural sight: lake Steirischer Bodensee. The lake is actually on the south side of the Enns valley and already belongs to the Tauern (which can be seen from the gneiss rock around the lake), specifically Schladming Tauern but for one lake I won't open a new thread. nasmeh

Access from Aich near Gröbming on toll road (2.80 EUR - pay right after 'MAUT' sign in hut with no visible signs, no barrier, easily missed... otherwise they threaten with police up there zavijanje z očmi

).

From parking lot along road (closed to traffic) about 10-15 min to lake. There is inn Forellenhof, left (or right if preferred mežikanje

) the loop around lake starts. Go left on forest path along lake (or road) to other side. From there up to waterfall feeding lake then back to car. Loop around lake ca. half hour, to waterfall and back also about the same.

Let pictures say more.

View of the lake from in front of Forellenhof

View from in front of the waterfall on the lake

View from the lake towards the waterfall

View of the lake from the start of the path to the waterfall

Becar9. 07. 2013 20:41:04

Beautiful photos. Keep going nicely further! And upload some more photos mežikanje

Admonter Reichenstein very prominent mountain, really inviting. Did you find some good route description to it?

VanSims9. 07. 2013 21:11:02

Uncle Google finds all in a second: mežikanje

http://www.alpintouren.com/de/touren/wandern/tourbeschreibung/tourdaten_23736.html

Becar9. 07. 2013 21:17:51

I already saw that myself before nasmeh

Seems a bit too "alpinistic" to me mežikanje

VanSims10. 07. 2013 07:09:05

Looks like that's the normal route.

http://www.bergsteigen.com/klettern/steiermark/ennstaler-alpen/normalweg-admonter-reichenstein

Becar10. 07. 2013 07:40:43

Yes, interesting, judging by the pictures we can't really talk about path security. Reminds somewhat of our Mrzla, and the height is about the same winking

Maybe someone who's been up there could give an opinion...

VanSims26. 03. 2016 12:50:56

Second time's the charm! winking

Last July on Hochtor.

https://simsoneblog.wordpress.com/hochtor/

VanSims5. 06. 2016 15:36:29

The road to Stoderzinken is a toll road again.

Last August back there!

https://simsoneblog.wordpress.com/stoderzinken-in-njegove-ferate/

voluhar2. 08. 2016 07:36:49

Highest peak of the Ennstal Alps (Ennstaler Alpen) and of the Gesäuse National Park

https://tomazsarc.blogspot.si/2016/07/hesshutte-hochtor-3072016.html

(+1)

voluhar30. 05. 2017 10:59:23

Lugauer 2217 m

https://tomazsarc.blogspot.si/2017/05/lugauer-2752017.html

(+1)

janezs7313. 10. 2017 15:20:29

GEILER HENGST klettersteig (Kampermauer)

Since there's snow above 1500m in Austria now, I choose an interesting substitute: climbing route (via ferrata) Geiler Hengst on Kampermauer. Total height of the ferrata is about 230m.

Ferrata has 3 parts: lower easy (to first hanging bridge), middle through scree to second hanging bridge and third, extremely hard (official rating E), to the top of the pillar.

Ferrata is one of the hardest in Austria, upper wall part is entirely overhanging with height difference between 100 and 120m. In this part there are only three spots where a person can stand, everything else hangs on arms or sling.

Access is about 3.5 km east of Hengst saddle between Windischgarsten and Altenmarkt near St. Gallen. At 766m altitude by the road there's a rock boulder (stream behind it), next to which is a bench. A few meters away is a path into the forest, leading to ferrata which is not marked at bottom.

For the ferrata have:
- enough arm strength to pull up for a whole hour (on arms)
- at least one sling (better two), on which you can hang on pegs while moving the safety clip - despite brackets at peg places, sling comes in handy as you're mostly leaning out from vertical
- climbing shoes - most climbing has very small holds, or you climb on "friction"
- good "stomach", meaning no fear of looking into depth - as written before, these 100m overhanging from start to end; at end you're 20-30m sideways (out) from where you started the upper part

Difficulty of hardest spots similar to our "right" on Sp. plot on Zelenica. But length of hard spots incomparable. On Zelenica total 20m (in three parts), here 100m, while overhanging wall on Zelenica only ca. 10m, here full 100m.

Descent goes left and ends with B grade climbing.

link to description on Bergsteigen.com

view of the ridge where the ferrata runs (right pillar) - from the road

lower easier part, with official rating A/B

first third of the hardest part of the wall, right above the second little bridge;

second third of the harder part starts with slanting overhanging section to the least overhanging part (where there are two) and ends with traverse to the right to the edge

last part with ascent on slightly overhanging (in picture next to gray streak on sunny wall) then on cracks (upper left) and finally traverse around overhanging head (upper right)

(+2)

janezs7320. 10. 2018 22:15:15

this year checked Geiler Hengst again... despite better condition and technique than last year (and after climbing some E/F ferratas in Austria) I still think they underestimated the difficulty at this ferrata (which notably has no sign anywhere)... my "corrected" ratings are on the right picture... on the original (see bergsteigen.com) even the ratings of the two hardest parts under and on the head are missing