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Fadensteig: A Climber's Ascent to Schneeberg

Challenge yourself with a climb up the Fadensteig, a scenic and thrilling hiking route to the summit of Schneeberg in Lower Austria.

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Fadensteig is a popular and challenging hiking route up Schneeberg, Lower Austria's highest mountain. Known for its scenic beauty and thrilling climbs, it attracts experienced hikers and mountaineers seeking an adventurous alternative to the more tourist-friendly railway.

A brief summary to Fadensteig

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Local tips

  • Check weather conditions before you go; the high plateau can be dangerous in bad weather.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water and snacks.
  • Consider starting early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
  • In winter, crampons are essential due to icy conditions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Losenheim chairlift valley station, follow signs towards Fadensteig and Fischerhütte. A narrower path leads through the forest, eventually reaching the mountain pine area and the base of the Schneeberg's rock faces. The Fadensteig trail (marked yellow, trail no. 01) ascends the steep northern ridge. No costs are associated with this initial walking segment.

  • Chairlift

    An alternative start involves taking the Salamander chairlift from Losenheim to Fadensattel. From the mountain station, it's a 5-minute walk to Edelweisshütte, the Fadensteig's starting point. As of July 2025, a one-way ticket costs approximately €15-20. The chairlift operates from March-June and October on weekends, holidays, and daily during July-September, with possible restrictions due to bad weather.

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Discover more about Fadensteig

Fadensteig is not just a hiking trail; it's an experience. This route up the Schneeberg is favored by those seeking a more direct and engaging ascent than the traditional rack railway offers. While technically not a via ferrata, it includes sections with fixed cables, demanding sure-footedness and a head for heights. The trail begins near the chairlift valley station in Losenheim, initially a pleasant warm-up before becoming a steeper, rockier challenge. As you ascend, the views become increasingly rewarding, with panoramas stretching across the Viennese Alps. The path winds through forests and mountain pines before reaching the imposing rock faces of the Schneeberg, known as the "Fadenwände". The climb involves overcoming rocky sections, requiring scrambling and careful foot placement. Upon reaching the high plateau, a short walk leads to the summit, Klosterwappen, marked with a large summit cross. The descent offers options, including a return via the Fadensteig or alternative routes like the Damböckhaus. While the Fadensteig is a popular route, it demands respect. Icy conditions in winter can make it treacherous, requiring crampons. Similarly, poor visibility on the plateau can disorient hikers. However, for experienced and well-prepared hikers, the Fadensteig provides an unforgettable and rewarding mountain experience.

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