27^Jul Sat
07:00

We take cars and drive to parking close to Gosaukammbahn. From there based on aggreement, we either take a cable car to beginning of a route, or hike there.

Description taken respectively from: https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/430007032/via-ferrata-donnerkogel.html

1st stage: From the entrance, climb briefly to a corner (B/C). A beautiful traverse of slabs (A/B) leads to a straddle (B/C). This is followed by the steep and challenging "Kaiser-Verschneidung" (C/D), one of the two key sections. Then left onto an earthy strip (A and A/B) and to another, somewhat more difficult slab traverse (C). Around a corner it goes to the "Enzianwand" (B/C). The trail leads up through the mountain pines in a zigzag course and then to a saddle on the left. There is an emergency exit (down on the right). The "Ziehkögelgrat" (max. A/B) is reached via two ladders (B, briefly C in between). At the end of the 1st stage there is another emergency exit (down to the right).

2nd stage: In the section "Long live the hunt" you first cross to the left (A/B). This is followed by some ladders laid on the ground (A). Another traverse (A) is followed by some upturns (B). After the "Gamsband" (A) you have to climb down a bit in the earthy-slippery terrain (A/B). Then the long traverse climbs again (A/B, short section B/C) and meets the 40-metre giant ladder. At the ladder, you can exit to easy terrain and bypass the "Donnermandl" or climb down to the descent path (emergency descent). The highlight is of course the 40-metre giant ladder, on which you can climb directly over to the "Donnermandl" easily (B) but very exposed and therefore considered by many to be more difficult.

Stage 3 without the giant ladder: After a short walking area (emergency descent to the right), there is a short traverse (A/B and C) and the steep and very exposed ascent - where the 40-metre giant ladder also docks with the "Donnermandl" - (first C/D, then easier) to the "Donnermandl" (1,920 m). This is the second key section of the climb (this must also be mastered by giant ladder climbers). Afterwards, briefly climb down into a saddle (B). The 3rd stage can also be bypassed.

Stage 4: Quite steep up the former "Preuß route" via the northwest ridge (C). Soon the ridge becomes flatter and wider (B). The exit is reached after overcoming individual steep steps (A/B and A).