Overview
Grade: 3
Total time: 5 hrs
Climbing time: 2 hrs
Approach time: 2 hrs
Exit time: 2 hrs
Show topo 
Length: 415m
Rope Length: 50m
Quickdraws: 4
Climbing the 'Malersteig' (Painter's Path) on the Preinerwand, a grade III (UIAA) route, is a classic and highly enjoyable experience in the Rax massif. This moderate multi-pitch climb is renowned for its excellent rock quality, good holds, and stunning panoramic views, making it an ideal choice for climbers looking to gain experience in alpine rock climbing or for those seeking a beautiful 'plaisir' route. The ascent typically involves a scenic approach from a hut like the Karl-Ludwig-Haus or Waxriegelhaus, leading to the base of the majestic Preinerwand. The route itself weaves its way up the wall, offering a mix of slab climbing and short, steeper sections, always with a sense of exposure but never truly desperate. Each pitch rewards you with increasingly spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Reaching the summit of Preinerwand provides a profound sense of accomplishment. The return journey usually involves descending via one of the established hiking trails or via ferratas, such as the Reißtalersteig or Preinerwandsteig, which lead back to the plateau and onwards to the starting point, completing a memorable day in the mountains.
