Hanauer is a via ferrata (klettersteig) route located in the Lechtaler Alps of Austria, near the Hanauer Hut (Hanauer Hütte) 1922 m, above the Angerlebach stream. This thrilling route is characterized by a bridge above a gorge, which offers an amazing experience on the walls above the white water stream. The Hanauer Klettersteig is a perfect day or half-day trip and it is suitable for climbers with D level of experience, while offering an easier and shorter B/C variant as well.
Summary
Grade: D, var B/C – view topo
Vertical: 150m ferrata, 610m total
Time: 1h30min approach, 1h ferrata, 1h20min descent, 3h50min total
Access / Parking: 47.2813,10.6024 – Google Maps or any Android maps app
Start via ferrata: 47.251,10.5923 – Mapy.cz or any Android maps app
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Access
To access the Hanauer Klettersteig, you need to reach the small village of Boden. You can do that by car via the Hahntennjoch road – pay attention to winter or flood closures. There is also a bus service from Nassereith to Elmen, and from there, hitchhiking to Boden is the only option as there are no bus services on the narrow Hahntennjoch road. The parking area for the trailhead is located on the southern side of the village, on a forest road. In 2023 it was marked as “Parkplatz Hanauer Hütte” on Google Maps.
Approach to start
From the parking area, you follow the somewhat flat forest road towards the Hanauer Hut. The road is relatively easy and can also be partially accessed by mountain bike, up to the station of the Hanauer Hut service cable car, where we saw people leave their bikes. Follow the path until it becomes steeper, once the trail crosses a stream. At the next junction, turn left and walk towards the cliffs. The start of the via ferrata route is close to the rocks.
The route
The Hanauer Klettersteig offers two route variants, a challenging one and an easier one. The easy route is rated B/C, with one challenging section over a short rock segment. Climbers should be careful not to trigger a rockfall as stones may fall on the area of the wire bridge on the main route. The main route is rated D and features a long wire bridge as the highlight. Before the bridge there are two short steep sections worth paying attention to. After the bridge there are two more D segments in a row, then a longer, slightly downwards traverse. After finishing the route, you can follow the hiking trail up to Hanauer Hut, which offers excellent service.
Descent
The descent is done on the regular hiking trail from the Hanauer Hut. The trail leads back to the trailhead, passing close to the via ferrata route’s starting point on the way down.
Good to know
When climbing the easy route, be careful not to trigger a rockfall because the stones might end up in the area of the rope bridge, on the main route.
The Hanauer Hut is an excellent place to rest and enjoy the stunning views from the terrace.
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Video
Weather
Main sources
- bergsteigen.com (German)
- we climbed the route on August 25, 2020