Difficulty: C/D, 600
Challenging, exposed via ferrata on the Drachenwand with a key section near the upper wall.
Very steep and exposed sections
Route description: Start at the village of St. Lorenz am Mondsee. The trail is well signposted. Parking: Car park in St. Lorenz.
Key Facts
| Location: | Mondsee, Salzkammergut, Austria |
| Difficulty: | C Var. C/D |
| Exposure: | East |
| Walking time: | 2 hours, 1.5 hours |
| Climbing length: | 380 m |
| Elevation gain: | 240 m |
| Approach: | Gerlossteinbahn mountain station, approx. 45 min |
| Descent: | Heimjöchl or hiking trail (shorter route) |
| Summit: | 2.166 m |
Links
via-ferrata.de
bergsteigen.com
bergwelten.com
Report
On a glorious Sunday morning we set out to slay the Mondsee dragon. The route at difficulty C/D follows the east ridge of the Drachenwand for 400 metres of elevation gain. The most difficult and airy sections, with undoubtedly the most impressive bird’s-eye views, are found particularly in the upper part. At the summit we enjoyed the view over the Mondsee region over a well-earned packed lunch.
The motto for this via ferrata should be “the early bird catches the worm” – the Drachenwand is a destination for many, sometimes very many, via ferrata climbers on fine days. Depending on the crowds, you should allow more than the stated two hours. Climbers queue up like beads on a string. With such high traffic, the rockfall risk increases significantly and risky overtaking manoeuvres also raise the accident risk. The descent is no pushover either and can be quite unpleasant in the wet. Surefootedness and a head for heights are essential; wearing a helmet in the via ferrata goes without saying!
Photos
