Hiking Hohe Wand via Springlessteig and Steirerspur

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In southern Lower Austria, the steep rock faces of the 8-km-long (5 mi) karst plateau on the western edge of the Vienna Basin gave their name to the area: the "Hohe Wand" (High Wall). This recreational area is well-known far beyond Austria's borders and was developed for tourism around 100 years ago. Numerous trails and via ferratas allow visitors to climb the rock faces and stop at one of the many inns and mountain huts. The magnificent view of the Vienna Basin and the surrounding landscape more than compensates for the effort.

Starting from the small "Wanderparadies" parking area in Zweiersdorf, the trail leads directly towards the "Hohe Wand" (High Wall). Initially, the ascent is moderate. To avoid getting lost in the maze of trails, follow the signs pointing the way to the Hubertushaus. This hut, belonging to the Austrian Alpine Club, is located at an altitude of 946 meters and is the destination of the hike.

The shady forest thins out every now and then, offering glimpses of the approaching "Hohe Wand" (High Wall). The path presents no difficulties whatsoever. Only after a little over a kilometer (0.6 mi) and about 20 minutes does the trail become slightly steeper.

If you're out early in the morning, it's not unlikely you'll encounter a few ibex. These animals, which otherwise live in high alpine terrain, don't actually belong here. However, in 2003, three animals escaped from an enclosure, and since then the free-roaming colony has grown to a considerable number, presumably well over 70 animals. Because of these animals and the heavily frequented trails, it's advisable to put on a helmet once you reach the base of the cliffs.

Finally, you reach the sections of the Springlessteig (A) trail secured with steel cables. However, these are never truly exposed and are usually traversed by experienced hikers without a via ferrata set but the sometimes very polished rock does require a certain degree of caution.

As you ascend, the via ferrata becomes increasingly impressive, leading upwards along a wide ledge and almost continuously secured with steel cables in the upper section. In addition, there is the panorama, which becomes more beautiful with every meter of altitude and should really be enjoyed from time to time.

An iron ladder must be climbed, and memorial plaques for mountaineers who have perished serve as constant reminders to exercise caution. Although the via ferrata is relatively easy, it is still an alpine route. Eventually, the path turns left, and in the immediate vicinity of a memorial plaque for a father and son, the Steirerspur branches off to the right. While the Springlessteig continues without difficulty to the edge of the plateau, the Steirerspur is a more challenging ascent. Once the via ferrata's steel cable is reached, the route becomes noticeably more exposed than the Springlessteig, running horizontally along the rock face.

The first slightly tricky section is a slab that requires downclimbing at difficulty level B. Shortly after, you reach the first junction of the climbing route, which was originally built for practice purposes. I take the left-hand branch. A steep gully leads upwards, requiring considerable effort to pull myself up the steel cable. The polished rock and the sparse footholds clearly demonstrate why the B/C to C rating is quite justified. It isn't long, however, before the edge of the plateau comes within reach and is finally achieved after about an hour.

Once at the top, the Hubertushaus comes into view and invites you to refresh yourself before heading back down to the parking lot via the Springlessteig trail, largely following the ascent route.


Location: L4072, 2732, Austria

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