The Intersport Klettersteig on the Großer Donnerkogel in Austria, often referred to as “Sky Ladder” or “Stairway to Heaven”, is a popular via ferrata route located on the west side of the Dachstein mountain range, above Gosausee (lake Gosau).
Summary
Grade: C/D – view topo
Vertical: 470m ferrata, 650m total
Time: 20min approach, 3h ferrata, 1h30min descent, 4h50min total
Access / Parking: 47.5337,13.4959 – Google Maps or any Android maps app
Start via ferrata: 47.5302,13.4768 – Mapy.cz or any Android maps app
Download gpx track
Photos
![car driving in Gosau valley](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6349.jpg)
![girl on via ferrata Donnerkogel](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6355.jpg)
![girl on via ferrata Donnerkogel](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6363.jpg)
![Vorderer Gosausee](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6367.jpg)
![girl on via ferrata](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6382.jpg)
![Donnerkogel sky ladder](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6422.jpg)
![Donnerkogel sky ladder](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6449.jpg)
![View towards Dachstein](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6470.jpg)
![Sunset in the Austrian Alps - panorama view from Donnerkogel, with layers of mountains peaks and ridges glowing in the warm evening light.](https://www.ferratago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSCF6523.jpg)
Access
The route can be accessed by car via Gosau. Drive through the Gosau Valley to the end of the road, at the base station of the Gosaukammbahn, where there are several parking lots. By public transportation, take the train to Steeg-Gosau and then take bus line 2570 to Gosausee.
Approach to start
Take the cable car to the upper mountain station. You can also hike up following the Herrenweg trail (620), but add about 1h30min and 600 meters altitude to the ascent in this case. You will reach Gablonzer Hütte and from there follow the trail 611 upwards to Oberen Törleggsattel, then turn left towards the rocks, where the ferrata begins.
The route
The via ferrata itself has a difficulty grade of C/D and covers a total of 470m in altitude. The first part, before the famous ladder, has a few earthy passages that will get muddy after rainy periods, so it’s not recommended to climb when it’s still wet. You’ll have a better experience when climbing the route in dry conditions. The section after the ladder offers a good climbing experience as well, which will be appreciated by those looking to use the natural holds to progress. The climb lasts for approximately 3 hours.
Descent
The descent from the via ferrata is straightforward and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. After the cable ends, hike for a few minutes to the summit. From the summit, follow the red markings down, until you turn right on path 628, which you will follow back to the cable car upper station. From there, down by cable car or by foot. Add about 1 hour more if you continue hiking down from this point.
Good to know
It’s a very popular ferrata and it often gets crowded. For this reason, in high season, starting early morning is better. If you are at the start of the ferrata before the cable car opening hours, it’s even better. You can do this by hiking up early or staying overnight at the Gablonzer Hütte to get an early start. Another option is to actually go in the afternoon. Don’t underestimate the popularity of this route and, if you can, go early or late in the season.
Main bottleneck is the 40-meter long ladder, the main attraction of this route. It’s a bit wobbly and some people prefer to climb it one at the time. It can be bypassed via an easier cable section.
The via ferrata follows an existing climbing route established by Paul Preuß, making it one of the most controversial via ferrata projects in Austria.
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Video
Weather
Main sources
- bergsteigen.com (German)
- we climbed the route on August 16, 2019
Morning
I love this Ferrata , you know any guide to do with us next year .
Many Thanks
Hi! Actually yes, I know Laserer alpin are involved in building and maintaining routes in the Gosau area. They are usually busy in the Summer season, so book ahead of time.