over 100 sport climbing routes, as well as via ferrata and climbing walls
Climbing on the Steinplatte
The rock on the Steinplatte is of a unique quality, owing to its geological history as Europe’s only dry reef. Stretching over 7 kilometres in length and rising to a height of up to 250 metres, the climbing area around the Steinplatte and as far as the Loferer Alm offers over 800 sport climbing routes.
Ranging from difficulty grades 5a to 8c, from single-pitch routes to alpine multi-pitch (8SL) routes, suitable for everyone from beginners to professionals, and accessible from spring to autumn. Overall, the area is certainly one of the top climbing destinations in Central Europe: from the Waidringer Steinplatte via Wiesloch, Wemeteigen, Schwollwand, Sonnwand, Tanzboden and Urlkopf to the Lachfeldkopf, which is already in Salzburg, it offers climbing opportunities par excellence.
Climbing routes perfect for all climbing enthusiasts
- PLEASE NOTE: You climb entirely at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. The routes may only be tackled by experienced climbers using the appropriate via ferrata equipment. You must have sure-footedness and a head for heights.
- Wieslochsteig (3.5 hours, 530 metres elevation gain, difficulty level B): Passing the Stallenalm and Grünwaldalm, the route continues along the lower path to the “Kopfkrax” junction. Here, the path branches off to the left and, passing some beautiful vantage points, you have the choice between an easier and a more difficult route, both of which lead to the summit of the Steinplatte.
- Gamssteig (2 hours, 100 metres elevation gain, difficulty C): This path leads directly from the Triassic Beach site, descending briefly but steeply. It is mostly used as the approach route for the Schuastagangl via ferrata. If you’d like to do a circular walk, head via the Stallenalm and Grünwaldalm along the rock face, which will take you back to the Steinplatte via this trail.
- Schuastagangl (3 hours, 180 metres elevation gain, difficulty C): The classic via ferrata on the Steinplatte, where you’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views. You can reach the start of the via ferrata either via the Gamssteig or via the Stallenalm and Grünwaldalm. The approach follows the signposted path at the foot of the rock face. This via ferrata has a few challenging sections and exposed spots, but with its medium difficulty rating of C, it is also suitable for beginners and families. The additional ‘Knieschladerer’ variant is slightly more exposed, and a rope bridge takes you back onto the main via ferrata. The route leads to the summit of the Steinplatte. Click here for the digital map.
Climbing map of the Steinplatte
Together with the adjacent walls of the Wiesloch, Wemeteigen, Schwollwand, Sonnenwand, Tanzboden, Urlkopf and Lachfeldkopf, this creates a climbing area unrivalled in Austria.
Exposure: south-west to south-east
Number of routes: over 100
Difficulty: from 4b to 6c
Number of multi-pitch routes: from 6 to 8
Further information
You’ll find the most accurate and virtually comprehensive information about the existing routes in the climbing guides. Many well-known names from the climbing scene have left their mark here. Above all, however, it was climbers from the local area who made their mark on the routes at the Steinplatte.
If you’d like to book a mountain guide, we can recommend the Kitzbühel mountain guides! If you need any equipment, the Rock’n’Roll mountaineering shop in Kirchdorf is the place to go.
And we’d like to recommend the following books to you: ‘Alpine Climbing
Guide: Steinplatte & Loferer Steinberge’ | Panico and ‘Sport Climbing in North Tyrol’ | Michael Meisl
