Overview
Grade: A/B
Total time: 5 hrs
Climbing time: 50 mins
Approach time: 2 hrs
Exit time: 2 hrs
Show topo 
Length: 1,500m
Total elevation: 1,580m
Altitude: 1,815m
Climbing the Steinriesenkogel (Grade A/B) offers a wonderfully accessible alpine experience. The ascent typically begins from a picturesque valley, perhaps after parking near a trailhead. Initially, the path winds through lush forest trails or gentle alpine meadows, gradually gaining elevation.
As you ascend, the terrain subtly changes, becoming rockier. The 'A/B' grading indicates that while largely a hiking trail, there might be short, easy exposed sections where fixed ropes or cables (a typical feature of a via ferrata, even an easy one) are present, offering a bit of security and making the climb engaging without being technically demanding. These sections are a highlight, providing a sense of achievement and a taste of alpine exposure suitable for beginners or those seeking a relaxed day.
The views are a constant companion, opening up increasingly dramatic panoramas of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and possibly distant glaciers or lakes. Reaching the summit, marked by a cross, is immensely rewarding. The 360-degree vista is breathtaking, inviting a long break to soak in the majestic alpine landscape.
The descent often follows a different, equally scenic route, perhaps looping back through different terrain or along a ridgeline, ensuring a varied return journey. The Steinriesenkogel climb is perfect for those looking for a relatively easy mountain adventure with superb views, proving that magnificent alpine experiences don't always require extreme difficulty.