Hanauer - D
Elevation: 150 m / Lenght: 600 m
Approach: 1,5 hrs / Duration: 1 hrs
Rating: 3/5
An interesting, though not exactly easy, via ferrata Hanauer (D), located just below the Hanauer Hut mountain hut - where you can reward yourself with a cold beer or a good meal (at prices that understandably match the hut's accessibility).
I personally used the hut as overnight shelter. Unfortunately, the weather was not on my side and it rained almost the entire time. Luckily, the rain stopped for a few hours in the morning, giving me just enough of a window to go climb the ferrata.
Already within the first few metres of the traverse it became clear that this route is fairly strength-demanding, slippery after rain, and has a minimum number of stemples. If you spot any at all, you can be sure it's marking one of the harder sections. The climb towards the rope bridge puts a good strain on your arms, but nothing extreme.
The bridge itself is long and noticeably wobbly. The entire ferrata runs through a rocky gorge which may not appear spectacular at first sight, but again — it's the kind of place an average tourist will probably never see.
The most difficult section is found shortly after the bridge. You'll recognise it — suddenly a few lonely stemples appear in the wall. It's a short, exposed overhang. I tried not to linger too long and once again had to rely heavily on arm strength. After that, you can either exit via an escape route (B/C) or continue traversing along the canyon wall. Unfortunately, light rain started again, so I chose the shorter option.
The views around the mountain hut are fantastic in good weather, and you may encounter dozens of grazing cows - and salamanders in rainy conditions. The hiking opportunities in the surrounding area are definitely worth exploring as well.
Circular route from the parking area, through the ferrata, and up to the Hanauer Hütte.