Reichenau an der Rax, Austria
The Teufelsbadstubensteig is one of the most popular via ferratas in Austria's Rax-Schneeberg range, located in the Großes Höllental (Great Hell Valley) near Reichenau an der Rax. What makes it distinctive is the dramatic entry gorge with a vertical ladder leading into a natural rock cavity, followed by bold ladder sequences that feel surprisingly exposed and memorable. The route has recently been renovated with solid protection, and it's a classic style via ferrata combining genuine climbing passages in the lower section with scree gully hiking above. It's a moderate terrain that draws families and experienced climbers alike, making it busy on weekends, but the gorge and cave sections deliver some of the most striking climbing moments in the Vienna region. 3 hours 20 minutes total (50 minutes approach, 1 hour climbing, 1.5 hours descent), with 720 meters elevation gain over moderate difficulty (grade B/1). The climbing length is 350 meters spread across the lower half of the route. Bring complete via ferrata gear, helmet (mandatory for rockfall), and consider a safety rope for unprotected upper sections where you'll encounter grade I scrambling. The upper scree gully is serious rockfall territory, so be quiet and watch for falling debris from above. May to October is best; spring can be treacherous with snow lingering in the approach. Key gotcha: the route is not continuously secured, especially in the upper section, so footwork and solid rope handling are essential. Another gotcha: the cave is cool and damp, so gloves and a dry base layer help your grip on wet metal.
Preinerwandsteig
