--- title: via ferrata Donnerkogel- Ladder to heaven url: "https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/430007032/via-ferrata-donnerkogel.html" description: The via ferrata Donnerkogel, is one of the most impressiv in Austria, its highlight is the 40m long Ladder to heaven. the via ferrata is for experienced climbers only date: 2017-02-22 modified: 2026-03-18 --- # via ferrata Donnerkogel- Ladder to heaven Via ferrata Donnerkogel ========================= **Starting place:** 4824 Gosau **Destination:** 4824 Gosau ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/246719/C24262B35DD4F7AE788A63779344DEDC222AF9E3A216859AAA306F23845C1290/den-gosausee-von-oben-sehen.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/246720/290FCB3052FF6C0E902717EC00A4EC7053F8E3094AEF79442587187641476AD3/die-himmelsleiter-eine-aussergewoehnliche-attraktion.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/246721/1D131396F1F85A433C2F5D39CAE0667B7C097A4F6AA77087C940EE7A6B46EA7D/kurz-vor-der-himmelsleiter.jpg) © Open copyright © RudiKainPhotografie Close copyright [ ![A climber wearing a helmet, blue clothing and a large rucksack secures himself with carabiners to the steel cable of a via ferrata. A deep blue mountain lake stretches out below him, surrounded by forests and a small village.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/246719/C24262B35DD4F7AE788A63779344DEDC222AF9E3A216859AAA306F23845C1290/den-gosausee-von-oben-sehen.jpg "© RudiKainPhotografie") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/246719/C24262B35DD4F7AE788A63779344DEDC222AF9E3A216859AAA306F23845C1290/den-gosausee-von-oben-sehen.jpg) © Open copyright © RudiKainPhotografie Close copyright [ ![A climber with a helmet and blue rucksack crosses an airy rope bridge high above a valley. A green landscape of meadows and villages stretches out below him, framed by mountain ranges on the horizon.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/246720/290FCB3052FF6C0E902717EC00A4EC7053F8E3094AEF79442587187641476AD3/die-himmelsleiter-eine-aussergewoehnliche-attraktion.jpg "© RudiKainPhotografie") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/246720/290FCB3052FF6C0E902717EC00A4EC7053F8E3094AEF79442587187641476AD3/die-himmelsleiter-eine-aussergewoehnliche-attraktion.jpg) © Open copyright © RudiKainPhotografie Close copyright [ ![A climber wearing a helmet and blue rucksack climbs up a steep rock face, secured by a steel cable. Above him, a person crosses an airy rope bridge between two rock faces, surrounded by mountain pines.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/246721/1D131396F1F85A433C2F5D39CAE0667B7C097A4F6AA77087C940EE7A6B46EA7D/kurz-vor-der-himmelsleiter.jpg "© RudiKainPhotografie") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/246721/1D131396F1F85A433C2F5D39CAE0667B7C097A4F6AA77087C940EE7A6B46EA7D/kurz-vor-der-himmelsleiter.jpg) © Open copyright © RudiKainPhotografie Close copyright [ ![Two climbers with helmets and rucksacks ascend a rocky via ferrata. They secure themselves to the steel cable with carabiners as they work their way up the steep, grassy slope step by step.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/246722/3041FF71D59AA59B130CB8EECF1EA95A746F4312EC94FEAF8A6DAFF4F38914C4/der-klettersteig-bietet-auch-wunderschoene-felsklettereien.jpg "© RudiKainPhotografie") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/246722/3041FF71D59AA59B130CB8EECF1EA95A746F4312EC94FEAF8A6DAFF4F38914C4/der-klettersteig-bietet-auch-wunderschoene-felsklettereien.jpg) © Open copyright © RudiKainPhotografie Close copyright [ ![Two climbers with helmets and rucksacks move along a steep via ferrata, secured by a steel cable. The rocky wall drops away abruptly, while majestic mountain peaks tower in the background.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/246723/AD90795FB624B4A582677A16C680181A75557787C859FF8468CDFDFDFEDF91F1/quergang-am-donnerkogel-klettersteig.jpg "© RudiKainPhotografie") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/246723/AD90795FB624B4A582677A16C680181A75557787C859FF8468CDFDFDFEDF91F1/quergang-am-donnerkogel-klettersteig.jpg) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ![](https://static.ecmaps.de/staticmap.jpg?experience=webarchitektur-meta&width=991&height=450&project=ttg-basemap&path=enc:{jbaH{dgqARk@Zc@Ti@^W^Y`@Tb@MZ`@b@Pb@E`@Pd@?Au@Xg@^UVg@Vi@Lq@Rm@Ti@`@QJs@Bu@Ks@`@S`@Jd@@b@Cb@?^\b@D^P`@Vb@JXd@`@Nb@Lb@G`@Ja@PYc@^UHu@^UNo@\a@Rk@^YZc@Xe@Xe@P_@L]&server=meta.tourdata.at) **The via ferrata on the "Donnewrkogel" is accessible from the middle of June till the middle of Oktober.** The via Ferrata Donnerkogel featuring the "Ladder to heaven" is definitely one of the most beautiful ferratas in the Salzkammergut ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The attraction **stairway to heaven** here in **Gosau at Dachstein**, is part of the via ferrata Donnerkogel, which is between the **Zwieselalm Area** and the summit of the Donnerkogel. The hike to the via ferrata is not long it just takes **about 15 Minutes from the top station** of the Gosaukammbahn, the climb itself takes **between 3 and 4 hours** depending on you speed and experience in climbing via ferratas. **Total time with descent between 5 and 6 hours.** **The via Ferrata is graded C/D, very difficult, on the via Ferrata scale, climbers have to be experienced when doing it.** Hiking down from the top of Donnerkogel will last for about **1 ½ hours**. If you are a beginner, it is definitely recommeded for you to take a guided tour, by one of our **[mountain guides](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/adventure/mountain-guides.html)**. **Route description via ferrata Donnerkogel** **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). **Safely on the via ferrata! Tour planning:** - A requirement for every climbing tour is an accurate tour planning with a via ferrata guide and map. - Pay attention to the levels of difficulty of the via ferrata and do not overestimate your ability! - Find out about the weather situation and the current conditions for the ascent and descent. - Draw up a timetable for the ascent, via ferrata, descent and always plan a time reserve for possible emergencies. **Note in bad weather:** - Via ferrata routes are dangerous in bad weather, as the wire rope anchorages can become lightning rods. - Information on the current Dachstein weather can be found at Dachstein weather forecast. - In spring, you have to reckon with leftover snow on the via ferrata. **Make sure you use the right equipment:** - Check your equipment for safety defects before every climbing tour! - The complete climbing equipment consists of: Helmet, chest harness, seat harness and carabiners, via ferrata gloves, climbing shoes and suitable climbing clothing. - Take emergency equipment with you: First aid kit, bivouac sack, mobile phone! **Via ferrata ascent:** - You should only climb via ferratas if you are familiar with your equipment and know how to use it. - Partner check before you start! Check each other's equipment to make sure it is complete and correctly fitted. - During the climb, always keep an eye on the weather, your physical condition and the time schedule. - Watch out for other climbers and plan time for overtaking. - You can also find important tips for tour planning and behaviour on the via ferrata in the "Alpenvereinaktiv-App". - Don't subordinate everything to the entry in the summit book or the completion of a tour - have the courage to break off or turn back! In case of emergency call the **mountain rescue under 140** Download the [**via ferrata guide**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/adventure/mountain-guides.html) of Bad Goisern, Gosau at Dachstein, Hallstatt and Obertraun. [**Experience a 360° panorama tour on the Zwieselalm…**](https://dachstein-panorama.at/?startscene=43&startactions=lookat(-3.72,4.13,120,0,0);) [ Tour and route information ](#ttgCollapseTourdetails) --------------------------------------------------------- **Starting place:** 4824 Gosau **Destination:** 4824 Gosau **duration:** 5h 30m **length:** 1,1 km **Altitude difference (uphill):** 470m **Altitude difference (downhill):** 34m **Lowest point:** 1.582m **Highest point:** 2.054m **difficulty:** difficult **condition:** difficult **panoramic view:** Dreamtour **Paths covering:** Climbing mount **Starting point:** Zwieselalm-Gosaukammbahn **Destination:** Zwieselalm-Gosaukammbahn **Details - climbing mount**- difficulty acc. to Kurt Schall: difficult (C) - Hop off description: Access about 30 minutes from the Gosaukamm cable car mountain station on trail 611 to the "Törleggsattel", from here descend a few metres to the entrance on the left. - Hop on description: From the summit of the "Großer Donnerkogel", descend trail 628 and follow the markings to the "Törleggsattel", from here follow trail 611 to the Gosaukamm cable car mountain station. - duration climbing mount: 3 h - duration Descent: 2 h [ ![Altitude profile Via ferrata Donnerkogel](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430007032&width=355&height=250&FontSize=12&mkt=en) ![Altitude profile Via ferrata Donnerkogel](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430007032&width=450&height=350&mkt=en) ](#ttgHoehenprofilModal "Via ferrata Donnerkogel") [ Opening hours ](#ttgCollapseOeffnungszeiten) ------------------------------------------------ **The Donnerkogel via ferrata with the Himmelsleiter is open throughout the summer months and accessible in dry and sunny weather**. [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- **Accessibility / arrival****by car** **from Salzburg:** Motorway exit Golling via B162 Abtenau and B166 to Gosau **from Linz:** Motorway exit Regau on Salzkammergut street B145 towards Gmunden and Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern, in Bad Goisern turn right onto B166, at the Gosaumühle junction turn right towards Gosau **from Vienna/Graz:** Motorway exit Liezen on the B320, in Trautenfels turn on Salzkammergut street B145 to Bad Aussee, turn on Koppen street through Obertraun and Hallstatt, at the Gosaumühle junction turn left towards Gosau **from Villach:** Tauern motorway to exit “Eben im Pongau”, via the B166 Pass Gschütt federal road to Gosau **by train** Attnang-Puchheim - Stainach-Irdning lines Arrival by train in "Steeg / Gosau" then continue with bus 541/542 in the direction Gosausee **By bus** Bus 470 (Abtenau - Gosau) direction Gosau, stop Gosau Abzw. Pass Gschütt Bus 541/542 (Bad Ischl - Gosausee) direction Gosausee, stops Haltestelle: Gosau Klaushof, Gosau Bärnausiedlung, Gosau Ressenbachweg, Gosau Vordertal B166, Gosau Ramsau B166, Gosau, Gemeindeamt, Abzw. Pass Gschütt, Gosau Wirtsweg, Gosau Leitenweg, Gosau Schüttmannweg, Mittertal b. Gosau Ort, Mittertal, Hornspitzlift, Hintertal b. Gosau Falmbach, Hintertal b. Gosau Mühlradl, Hintertal b. Gosau Ort, Hintertal b. Gosau Madlgasse, Hintertal b. Gosau Schmiedweg, Hintertal b. Gosau Freilichtmuseum,Hintertal b. Gosau Zwieselalmbahn (Panoramajet), Hintertal b. Gosau Gosaukammbahn Detailed information on the respective train and bus times can be found at (train) and (bus). **Parking**- Parking space: 516 - Parking area for disabled: 2 - Bus parking space: 7 **Parking fees**According to the notice **E-service station / recharging station**- Charging point for electric cars (fees apply) [ Prices ](#ttgCollapsePreise) -------------------------------- **General price information**[**To the prices for the Gosaukamm cable car**](https://www.dachstein.at/en/tickets-prices/summer-tickets/gosaukammbahn) - Free entry [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- - Suitable for single travelers - Suitable for friends - Suitable for couples **Other special suitabilities** Only climbable at very good weather conditions. **Most economical season**- Summer - Autumn [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. [ Grooming service ](#ttgCollapseWegbetreuer) ----------------------------------------------- [ © Open copyright © Copyright: Heli Putz Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/200865/47CB5836869DDC576F59DCB9F37D7DC5502239F875289397459D837F9258955C/canyoning-mit-outdoor-leadership.jpg "Canyoning Outdoor Leadership (© Copyright: Heli Putz)") Outdoor Leadership ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/200835/outdoor-leadership.html) [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Via ferrata Donnerkogel** Dachstein Tourismus AG 4825 Gosau Phone [ +43 6132 26909 - 400 ](tel:+43613226909400) E-Mail [gosau@salzkammergut.at](#mailto) Web [www.dachstein.at](https://www.dachstein.at "New window") Web [www.dachstein-salzkammergut.at](https://www.dachstein-salzkammergut.at "New window") https://www.dachstein.at https://www.dachstein-salzkammergut.at --- **You can also visit us on** [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/dachsteinsalzkammergut) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/visitdachsteinsalzkammergut) [ Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/dachsteinsalzkammergut) [ YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/user/dachsteinskg) [ Wikipedia ](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gosau) --- **We speak the following languages** German English [ Declaration of consent ](#ttgCollapseZustimmung) ---------------------------------------------------- Interactive elevation profile ------------------------------- [ Download GPS data ](#ttgDisclaimerContent) [ Create PDF ](#ttgTourdataPdfModal430007032) [To the website](https://www.dachstein.at "New window") ×Declaration of consent ---------------------- The tours presented here are suggested tours that are provided free of charge. After agreeing to the terms of the disclaimer you receive detailed information such as altitude profiles, route plans, and an option for downloading files etc. Yes, I have read[ the disclaimer](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/430007032/via-ferrata-donnerkogel.html#ttgAccordionZustimmung)and I accept the terms and conditions. Please accept the terms and conditions and click 'Send' [GPX - Download (without waypoints) ](javascript:void(0)) [GPX - Download (with waypoints) ](javascript:void(0)) [KML - Download ](javascript:void(0)) [TCX - Download ](javascript:void(0)) **Recommendation**: For most apps (Komoot, Strava, Outdooractive), please download **GPX**. **KML** is particularly suitable for Google Earth/map views, **TCX** for Garmin and training apps. ### Altitude profile - Via ferrata Donnerkogel Close ![Altitude profile Via ferrata Donnerkogel](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430007032&width=800&height=600&mkt=en) powered by [TOURDATA](https://www.tourdata.at "New window") [ ![TOURDATA Logo](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/templates/global/images/Logo-Tourdata.png "TOURDATA Logo") ](https://www.tourdata.at "New window")