Hanauer Hut

Elevation: 600 m / Lenght: 10 km / Time: 4 hrs
Visit rate: 4/5 / Rating: 3/5

Personally, I used the Hanauer Hut mainly as an overnight shelter. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on my side at all, and it rained almost the entire two days. Luckily, the rain stopped for a few hours in the morning, which allowed me to set off on the via ferrata located on the rock face below the hut. 

After just the first few meters of traversing, it was clear to me that the ferrata is quite strength-demanding, slippery after rain, and has very few iron steps. If a rung appears in front of you while climbing, you can be sure it marks a more difficult section of the route. The approach to the suspension bridge was therefore quite tough on the arms, but nothing extreme.

The bridge itself is very wobbly and, above all, long. The entire route runs through a rocky gorge which, at first glance, may not seem like the most breathtaking place you've ever seen — but again, it's a spot that an average hiker will probably never experience.

By far the most demanding section is located shortly after the bridge. You'll recognize it — unsurprisingly — by the sudden appearance of just a few iron steps in the rock. It's a short, exposed overhang. I tried not to linger there for too long, and once again it required a fair amount of arm strength. After that, you can either exit via the B/C escape route or continue traversing along the gorge wall. Unfortunately, it started to drizzle again, so I chose the shorter option.

In good weather, the views around the mountain hut are certainly fantastic, and you can also encounter dozens of grazing cows — and, in rainy conditions, salamanders. Hiking in the surrounding area is definitely worth it as well.

Route from the parking area via the ferrata (which can be bypassed) to the Hanauer Hut.