Guided Via Ferrata on Donnerkogel - Sky Ladder to Heaven
5.0()
Activity
Via ferrata
Minimum age
14 years
Languages
German, English
Difficulty
Difficult
Meeting place
Gosau
At the parking lot of the Gosaukamm cable car (Gosau 148, 4824 Gosau)
Free cancellation with full refund up to 24 hours before the start of the activity
Details
This challenging via ferrata promises absolute thrills and spectacular views of the Dachstein Glacier. The tour is ideal for all action fans who already have climbing experience up to difficulty C-D and are looking for a truly unique adventure at high altitude. Together with our certified mountain guide, you will climb the summit of the Great Donnerkogel, which rewards you with wonderful views of the Gosau Lakes. The highlight of this tour is the free-floating sky ladder, on which you will cross a gorge at dizzying heights. You can expect an exciting climbing adventure with a fantastic view of the Dachstein mountain!
Tour programme- Preparation:
We meet at 8 a.m. at the Gosaukammbahn valley station. There you will meet your experienced and certified mountain guide, who will provide you with the necessary equipment (climbing harness, via ferrata set and helmet) if required. From there, we take the Gosaukammbahn to the mountain station, where you can already enjoy a fascinating panorama of Lake Gosau and the Dachstein. Once at the top, we will walk for about 45 minutes to the start of the Himmelsleiter via ferrata. Before we set off, you will receive a detailed introduction to the route and safety guidelines.
- Tour:
The via ferrata on the west side of the Dachstein takes approx. 1.5 - 2 hours. The route includes moderately difficult to difficult and also exposed passages. The absolute highlight of the tour is the 40-metre-long Himmelsleiter (sky ladder) to the Donnermandl, which promises plenty of thrills. The free-floating ladder leads over a deep gorge and offers spectacular views of the Dachstein and the entire Gosau Valley.
- Return:
During the descent (approx. 1.5 hours), we pass a hut that is ideal for a well-deserved refreshment break. From there, we walk back to the mountain station and return to the valley where we met.ell-deserved refreshment. From there, we walk back to the top station and return to the valley from where we started.
Tour facts
- Mountain: Great Donnerkogel
- Description: The difficult via ferrata stretches across the rocks of the Gosaukamm ridge and is well worth the effort with its spectacular view of the Dachstein.
- Total duration: 5-6 hrs
- Duration of the via ferrata: 1.5-2 hrs
- Difference in altitude: 650 m
- Endurance: 3 (1-5)
- Level of difficulty: C-D (A-F)
Included services
- Certified guide
- Planning and organization of the tour (weather/conditions)
- Climbing harness, helmet, via ferrata set
Not included
- Cable car ticket for you and the mountain guide
Bring along
- Climbing harness, via ferrata set
- Helmet
- Hiking boots
- Protection gloves
- Backpack with: snacks for the day and clothing suitable for the weather
Equipment Rental
- Via ferrata set (climbing harness, sling, shock absorber, 2 elastic strings and 2 carabiners)
- Helmet
- The equipment can be borrowed as required free of charge. Please let us know in advance what you would like to borrow.
Requirements
- Via ferrata experience up to C-D
- Minimum age 14 years
- Physical health
- Surefootedness
- No fear of heights
If you have little experience of via ferrata climbing, you can attend an individual training session in advance.
This via ferrata climb on Donnerkogel is an "amazing experience" according to reviewers, with 100% of them leaving a five-star rating. The guides—often named Wolfgang, Guenter, or Christian—are universally praised for their professionalism, ensuring a safe yet thrilling adventure for all skill levels. While the climb is physically challenging, the breathtaking views of the Gosau valley and the iconic "Stairway to Heaven" make it a highly recommended, once-in-a-lifetime trip.
AI generated from the text of customer reviews
Popular mentions
Guide14
Safety9
Landscape7
Physical difficulty5
Friendly for beginners3
Deena · Solo travelerUnited Kingdom · June 2026
The "Stairway to Heaven" against open sky is unreal, and the views over the Gosau valley are breath-taking. Guide Wolfgang was exceptional — calm, encouraging, and made me feel completely safe on the exposed sections while I soaked it all in. If you do one climb here, make it this one!
Shabana · FamilyUnited Kingdom · August 2025
From start to finish, Wolfgang who was our guide was super attentive, really making us welcome but also had very high standards regarding personal safety. He most definitely made our trip memorable - taking lots of photos, sharing historical information about our location and even shared lunch with us at the end of the Via Ferrara. We felt very confident knowing his experience and background.
Roi · Solo travelerUnited States · July 2025
Wolfgang is a very knowledgeable hiking/climbing guide for Via Ferrata on Donnerkogel, and other mountain areas. Wolfgang is very personable, and accommodates all experience levels to make his clients feel comfortable. I highly recommend Wolfgang for this climbing experience and any other experiences.
Showing 1 - 3 out of 29 reviews
Offers by Bergführer Büro Salzburg141 Reviews5 Offers
Will this be too challenging if my group has never done it before?
This is a challenging tour (difficulty C-D) that requires prior via ferrata experience. However, if you have little experience, you can book an individual training session beforehand.
Do I need to know how to climb, and is it safe for children?
Yes, via ferrata experience up to level C-D is required for this tour. It is not suitable for young children, as the minimum age to participate is 14 years.
What is included in the price?
The price includes the certified mountain guide and the rental of the technical equipment (climbing harness, via ferrata set, helmet). The ticket for the cable car for yourself and the guide is not included.
What should I bring?
You should bring sturdy hiking boots, protective gloves, and a backpack with snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. If you have your own climbing gear (helmet, harness, via ferrata set), you can bring it along.
What if I don't have my own equipment?
If you don't have your own equipment, the necessary gear (climbing harness, via ferrata set, and helmet) can be borrowed free of charge. Please let the provider know in advance what you need.
How long is the tour and where do we meet?
The total duration of the tour is 5 to 6 hours. The meeting point is at 8 a.m. at the valley station of the Gosaukammbahn.
Will the guide take photos?
Many participants mention in their reviews that the guide takes great photos and videos of them during the tour.
From
580 €
The checkyeti guarantee1-click cancellation7 days/week support100% price clarity
The activity Guided Via Ferrata on Donnerkogel - Sky Ladder to Heaven by Bergführer Büro Salzburg in Gosau is available every day, from August 20, 2026 through November 1, 2026. Each day offers 1 start time at 8:00. Sessions last 5.5 hours and are offered as private activities for up to 99 participants. Prices start from €580.00.
United Kingdom · June 2026
United States · July 2025
