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Pfaffenstein Westgipfel (1865m)

dprapr16. 11. 2025 07:57:00

Before the end of the nice autumn days, on Friday we ascended the local mountain of Eisenerz. Pfaffenstein towers over Eisenerz and despite its modest height is a beautiful viewpoint. We did the tour as a circular route. Above the settlement before the last farm, on the meadow by the trees, there is an arranged parking lot (free). From there upwards through the forest and soon at the path junction right to Südwandsteig. The path goes in switchbacks up under the cliffs of Pfaffenstein and becomes increasingly scenic. Peaks keep revealing themselves. At the entry to the wall there are first extremely steep grassy slopes, partly secured, later rocky terrain. The secured path leads to the ridge mostly through narrow gullies. Very similar to our Hudi prask, but less crumbly and secured with steel cables. Upon exiting onto the ridge the view opens towards the Hochschwab range. The ridge is initially grassy, higher it narrows and leads us through dwarf pines to the scenic summit with a cross. In between there is a protruding bushy summit to the right with pines, which should be the highest peak (Pfaffenstein, 1871m). From the summit the ridge descends to a viewpoint towards Leopoldsteiner See. There is also the end of the Eisenerzen Klettersteig ferrata, suitable for those who like to hang on cables (C,D).
We descended via Markussteig, which was slightly snowy in the upper part. At the junction where the branch to Leopoldsteiner See is, we turned left under the cliffs and via interesting secured passages arrived at the start of Eisenerzen Klettersteig. From there mostly scenic path down towards Eisenerz.
For Pfaffenstein I could say it's a hill that has everything the big ones have. Especially great views and nice paths.