In August 2002 it was time to get back to St. Johann, a small, idyllic village on the north side of the Kaisergebirge, a mountain range in the Austrian state of Tirol.


This unspoilt collection of steep, rocky mountains is somewhat unique as there are no lifts nor any skiing slopes. The area offers a wide range of possibilities for hikers and mountaineers, from the admirer of alpine scenery to the highly skilled climber looking for true challenges.


On two previous visits, initiated by a very good friend, Harry, we had already spent some days hiking on narrow paths, among them the famous via ferrata Jubilaeumssteig.


This time was the time to make it to the top of the highest summit in the area: the Ellmauer Halt.


It takes about 10 hours to complete the round-trip, starting early, before sunrise, at the parking lot at Wochenbrunner Alm south of the village Going, about 15 kilometers east of St. Johann. The ascent via Klammerl and Gruttenhuette is technically very easy. On the last couple of hundred height meters, there are numerous fixed steel cables which provide safety when you attach yourself with your safety gear. The descent seems to be even easier, as you are already familiar with the track. The alternative descent route splits from the Gruttenhuette and leads through the via ferrata Jubilaeumssteig, then down to the Gaudeamushuette and back to the Wochenbrunner Alm.


However, weather makes the difference: make sure to attempt this daytrip only when the weather forecast is acceptable, and also verify with experienced locals. Otherwise just stay in the lower region. There have been more than one fatal ending of a heroic attempt to conquer the peak of Ellmauer Halt !