The devilish climb to the Jakobskogel

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On the border between the Austrian federal states of Styria and Lower Austria, a mountain massif rises into the sky. The Rax, with its steep, south-facing cliffs, is a popular destination for mountaineers and nature lovers, not least due to its proximity to the Vienna metropolitan area and Austria's neighboring countries to the east. The Rax is therefore well-developed: In addition to a cable car, numerous hiking trails and legendary via ferratas lead to the impressive high plateau. The Heukuppe rises 2007 meters (6585 ft) and marks the highest point of the Rax massif, which can be reached from several sides.

Between the Rax and Schneeberg, the Schwarza River winds through a narrow valley lined with steep rock faces, the so-called Höllental (Hell's Valley). Not far from the Weichtalhaus, a mountain hut at the foot of the Schneeberg that now also serves as an alpine training and climbing center, the Große Höllental branches off to the south. However, the road continues to follow the river, which is why the parking lots along the main road serve as starting points for numerous hikes on the Schneeberg or the Rax. One of these parking lots, the Wachthüttelkamm parking lot, is located in the immediate vicinity of an avalanche protection structure and is an ideal starting point for ascents of the Rax via one of the many via ferratas in the Große Höllental.

The tour starts here. After crossing the road, follow the well-signposted trail over small rocky steps toward the "Teufelsbadstubensteig." Do not take the turnoffs toward Wachtlhüttlkamm (this will be our ascent route)! The path leads along rock faces, secured in sections with steel cables, initially above and parallel to the road to the entrance to the Große Höllental. A bend to the left takes you to the valley, and then the view opens up to an imposing steel staircase: the Schönbrunnerstiege, which should be reached after about 10 minutes of hiking. Thanks to this staircase, the 60 meters of elevation gain can be overcome quite easily, although the length does represent a first test for the muscles.

After about 2.4 km (1.5 mi), or about 55 minutes, you reach the start of the Teufelsbadstubensteig. This is a via ferrata rated B in difficulty, whose history dates back to the early 19th century, when Archduke Johann commissioned all the climbing facilities in the area to be used as hunting trails. At the end of the 19th century, the path through the “Badstube” was marked and secured, thus opening it up to the increasingly important tourism market. At the beginning of the 21st century, the trail underwent its last thorough renovation, so there is no need to worry despite its age. Immediately after the start, a ledge leads along the rock face to a gully, which has been secured with an iron ladder.

Soon after, the trail becomes much easier in terms of technique, and in some sections it is basically walking terrain, although in many places a slip could have fatal consequences, which is why the steel cable provided for your own safety is definitely recommended. Finally, in the distance, you can see an iron ladder hanging from the steep rock face, giving an idea of ​​the further course of the trail. Damp, cave-like structures can be seen throughout the rock face, which at least gives you an idea of ​​why the trail is called the Teufelsbadstuben Steig (Devil's bathroom). Once you reach the iron ladder, the trail leads steeply and exposedly upwards. 

It also marks the second, somewhat more technically demanding section of the via ferrata, which finally leads through a beautiful, pleasant chimney with plenty of footholds and holds back onto easier scree terrain.

The upper part of the trail is only sporadically secured. Along the right edge of a scree gully, the path leads steadily upwards over so-called "Schrofen," rocky terrain interspersed with grass and often scree. Here, it is essential to pay attention to the red markings to avoid having to struggle up directly into the scree gully, which is extremely prone to rockfall. Wearing a rockfall helmet is definitely recommended on the Teufelsbadstubensteig. The actual scree gully is later crossed at a point secured with a steel cable. The greatest difficulties have now been overcome, and the trail winds its way further up through the forest, offering magnificent panoramic and deep views of the Großes Höllental valley at several points.

Now, a few forks in the path follow. First, the Preintalersteig trail turns left. This is a trail through rocky terrain rated for difficulty (UIAA I) without any fixed steel cables or stirrups. A few meters further on, another fork in the path follows. If you keep left at this point, you descend back into the Höllental valley via the "Wachthüttelkamm". You can either shorten the tour this way or note the fork and keep right to cross the Rax plateau toward the "Ottohaus" mountain hut. The path mostly climbs gently through the forest. Clearings offer magnificent views of the Schneeberg mountain opposite and its peak, the "Klosterwappen".

After about 3 km (1.86 mi) from the fork in the trail to the Wachthüttelkamm, you reach the "Praterstern". Here, various hiking trails converge in a star shape. From here, the Ottohaus and the summit of the nearby Jakobskogel (1737 m / 5699 ft) seem almost within reach.

The trail continues along a wide forest road to the Ottohaus. The trail then continues through mountain pine forest, along the cliff edge, and past a viewpoint. About a 10-minute walk from the viewpoint, a path branches off to the right, leading to the summit of Jakobskogel (1737 m / 5699 ft). It's not long before you're standing in front of the imposing summit cross. 

From here, you have a magnificent view of the Rax Plateau, and even the highest peak in the Rax, the Heukuppe (2007 m / 6585 ft), is clearly visible from a distance thanks to the monument erected on its summit.

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Location: Höllental Str., 2651, Österreich

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