Route description
Characteristics
The via ferrata begins in the "Belly of the Giant Thyrsus" and leads through the mountain. It then continues into the airy main wall, which runs close to the mountain railway gondola. Following a varied line with short ascents and traverses, the route continues to the Latschengasse and finally to the "Thyrsus-Blick", a prominent rest and viewpoint.
After the first section, there is an option to exit via a partly rope-secured path into the Reither Kar. From there, you can descend or hike back to the mountain station of the Rosshütte.
Those continuing will start the second part of the via ferrata in the area of the "Rastbank". This leads across the northeast flank of the Härmelekopf with short, airy ascents in the rock face. Technically, the tour remains in the B to C range, with a short, more strenuous passage in the middle section.
Key facts at a glance
• Elevation gain: approx. 300 m
• Length: approx. 700 m
• Difficulty: B / C (short, more strenuous passages in the middle section)
• Duration of the via ferrata: approx. 3.5 hours
Note
The Härmele-Klettersteig is not technically difficult (B with occasional C), but its length requires endurance and sure-footedness. Ideal as an extended half-day tour or in combination with hikes in the Rosshütten area.
Access
The quickest access to the Thyrsus-Klettersteig is from the Härmelekopf mountain station. From there, follow the hiking trail towards Reither Alm and turn into the Schönangersteig below the chairlift mountain station. This leads to the start of the via ferrata in about 30 minutes.
Descent
At the end of the via ferrata, follow the path to the main trail on the southern ridge of the Härmelekopf. From there, either continue for about a minute to the summit ridge and descend via the Reither Scharte or take the direct path back to the mountain station (approx. 25 minutes).
Rental options
Climbing equipment for the via ferrata can be rented at the valley station.
