Hiking and climbing on the Poppenberg near the Explorer Hotel Hinterstoder in Upper Austria

The ideal via ferrata for a short excursion near the Explorer Hotel

Enjoy the beautiful views from the via ferrata on the Poppenberg. Most of it is rated A-C+ and is perfect for anyone with average fitness.

You can park directly at the sewage treatment plant in Hinterstoder - the access to the via ferrata begins after 50 meters directly on the road and leads you to the first access ramp C. A total of five steep walls ranging from B to C await you, interrupted by walking terrain of level A. The Poppenberg via ferrata can be completed in 1 to 1.5 hours, making it perfect for an afternoon excursion.

Directions to the viewpoint

Beginning with a traverse ©, the path leads you to an airy corner and immediately afterwards vertically upwards. This is followed by a pleasant passage ( A ) to the next wall ascent over clamps ( C ), followed by easy terrain ( A ). This leads you to a boulder ( C ) and finally to an easy traverse ( A ), which takes you to the next wall ( C ). The exit from the wall passage is overhanging ( C/D ), but leads to easy terrain ( A ). You follow the pushed-off traverse ( B ), which leads you to the final wall. From here it goes vertically up to the overhanging exit ( C ). Then onto the two-rope bridge ( B ) and finally another short ascent awaits you ( C ). The end is easy on grassy terrain.

During the entire ascent you have an impressive panoramic view over the Stodertal. Once you reach the top, a viewing platform awaits you at the summit of Poppenberg, where you can relax and enjoy the view.

The descent to the valley is via a marked hiking trail and takes about 20 minutes.

Difficulty levels explained:

• A/B (easy to moderately difficult)
• B/C (moderately difficult to difficult)
• C/D (difficult to very difficult)
• D/E (extremely difficult and only for experienced and professional hikers)