Bike & Hike Priel via ferrata

The Priel via ferrata is the longest via ferrata in Austria, at 2,130 meters in length and 900 meters in altitude!

BIKE: from the large cable car parking lot you take the R307 towards Schiederweiher (you can see this from a small hill on the way). You continue to the Polsterstüberl changing point where you leave the bike.

For the bike tour you have to add approx. 5km, 43 m in altitude and 25 minutes to the route data listed.

HIKE: from the Polsterstüberl changing point you can reach the Prielschutzhaus in about 2 hours. The most adventurous route to the Großer Priel begins 30 minutes above the Prielschutzhaus.
With a length of 2,130 meters (!) and 900 meters in altitude, the Priel via ferrata is one of the longest and most demanding climbs in the Eastern Alps. It is the longest in Austria. The steel cable leads directly to the mighty red summit cross of the Großer Priel (2,515 m), the highest peak in the Totes Gebirge.
In 2017/2018, the existing Bert-Rinesch and Sporn via ferratas were merged, completely renovated and extended downwards.

How difficult will it be?
The longest via ferrata in Austria requires experience, endurance and fitness! It is well insured throughout.

Rope bridges, caves, overhangs, ...
The trail begins with several D-points: two cave passages, two rope bridges, exposed crossings, straddle steps, riding ridge and overhangs make the new section a special experience. At the spur summit you can descend again to the left (south side) and divide the climb over two days. If you are not up to the tour on the so-called locomotive, you can use the last emergency exit directly after the second rope bridge. Here you have completed the first third and the old Bert Rinesch via ferrata section begins. New ropes and better placed anchors have made this section a little easier and more enjoyable than before the renovation. The “old” path runs through partly overhanging passages on ladders (C-D) and longer, sometimes very exposed crossings. The length of the climb, combined with the vertical climbs with ladders and clamps, demands a lot from your fitness level. Only in the uppermost part does the terrain level out and you follow the south ridge to the summit.

Is it easier?
If you avoid the Affenschädl and the first cave on the signposted alternative routes on the left, you can get by with difficulty C. From the Sporn summit cross you can descend on the steel cable to the first rope bridge and go up to the second rope bridge again with difficulty C. From here you either descend south to the shelter or follow the wire rope on the long, well-known Bert Rinesch section with difficulty level C/D.

Can I cancel?
If you notice that you are not up to the longest via ferrata in Austria, you have two options for an emergency exit:
1. from the spur summit on the south side, or
2. after the second rope bridge (locomotive)

Walking times:
Polsterstüberl - Prielschutzhaus approx. 2 hours.
Prielschutzhaus via via ferrata to Gr. Priel approx. 5-6 hours.
Descent Gr. Priel via hiking trail 260 to the Prielschutzhaus approx. 2 hours.
Prielschutzhaus - Polsterstüberl approx. 1.5 hours.
Due to its length, we recommend spending the night in the Prielschutzhaus!