To the Triftsteig in the Kalkalpen National Park

Description:
The Reichraminger Hintergebirge is one of the most beautiful and largest primeval landscapes in Austria. The so-called "Große Bach" (Great Brook) flows through the central part, where timber used to be drifted. Between the Schleierfall and the Annerlsteg is the narrowest and most interesting part of the gorge. In 1987, the Triftsteig was renovated and made passable again with steel ropes and clamps. The via ferrata partly follows the old course of the Triftsteig, which was only equipped with narrow wooden footbridges at the time, and gives an idea of the dangerous work of the wooden raftsmen of that time.

Directions:
Access approx. 1 h from the car park, the trail leads along the gently descending forest road downstream until you reach the cross-cutting main ditch after about 2 km at a bridge. After the bridge, turn right and continue for about 3 km to the "Schleierfall" (striking, small waterfall on the right of the road; here, turn off to the Anlaufalm via the so-called "Hochschlacht"; sign). About 100m after the "Schleierfall" (at the next bridge to the tunnel), the "Triftsteig" branches off to the right (sign: 1. Klettersteig").

Triftsteig: The rope belay begins immediately at the bridge and you cross the wild and romantic gorge on the right bank of the stream, ascending and descending for about 2 km until you meet the forest road at the so-called "Annerlsteg" bridge.The path is secured throughout and you are exposed in places and always just above the water surface of the "Großer Bach". In between, there is always walking terrain on a narrow path, which can be wet in places due to small watercourses running across it. The Triftsteig can be walked in both directions.

The "Triftsteig" has a length of about 2 km, leads slightly up and down along the right bank of the stream to the "Annerlsteg" (can also be walked in the opposite direction).Time required: "Triftsteig": 1 - 1.5 hrs.Total time required without round tour via the Anlaufalm: 3.5 - 4 hrs.RETURN via the forest road (several, longer tunnels; possibly torch) back to the Schleierfall and continue as for access.

VARIANT Return via Anlaufalm: 450 m altitude difference - 1.5 - 2 hrs; longer but highly recommended. As with a) back to the Schleierfall. Here branch off (sign: "Hochschlacht") on the partly steep trail (marked red, surefootedness required!) along the very beautiful Hochschlachtbach stream (view down to the "Triftsteig") up to the large alpine pasture area south of the Hochkogel. East to the Anlaufalm (982 m) and in the direction of the "Hirschkogelsattel" (no sign!) to the so-called "3 Bilder` (Marterl). Descend via the Sonnbergbach road to the starting point. All in all, a very beautiful and wildly romantic circular tour.

Tip:
For children and the less experienced, basic via ferrata equipment and possibly a short safety rope (for children) is recommended.

Safety guidelines:
Via ferrata similar: mostly A, two short passages each A/B and B; in between always walking terrain, partly exposed (above the water surface). Partly secured with bolts and steel ropes. Only for experienced climbers!

Check the weather forecast before starting the tour. In summer, approaching thunderstorms in the Hintergebirge are often seen too late. There is no exit along the Triftsteig. Surefootedness and no fear of heights - only for experienced hikers!