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Via ferrata · Austrian Alps

Donnerkogel · Stairway to Heaven

Step onto the famous 40-metre Sky Ladder and climb towards Donnerkogel’s summit. A guided alpine challenge with all via ferrata gear included.

Climber on a via ferrata cable beneath a blue sky

One ladder. A whole new perspective.

Forty metres of open air. Limestone towers on either side. The Gosau valley stretching away beneath your boots. Donnerkogel’s famous Stairway to Heaven is the moment you will remember long after you leave the mountains.

Join A&S Expeditions on 20 October 2026 for a guided day on this spectacular Austrian via ferrata. With your guide alongside you and all via ferrata equipment provided, you can focus on the movement, the mountain and the next step. Beyond the ladder, the adventure continues towards the 2,054-metre summit of Großer Donnerkogel and sweeping views of the Dachstein landscape.

Your day in the mountains

  1. 08:00 — meet at Gosausee parking. Meet your guide, get your equipment fitted and discuss the route, conditions and the day ahead.
  2. Approach and preparation. Travel towards the route and prepare for the climb with an equipment check and a practical briefing. Cable-car tickets are separate from the trip price.
  3. The climb and Sky Ladder. Follow the fixed-cable route through exposed rock sections to the famous 40-metre ladder. The planned route then continues towards the summit, conditions permitting.
  4. Summit and descent. Take in the mountain panorama before descending and returning towards Gosausee. Allow the whole day; the pace and return time depend on conditions and the group.

Is this adventure for you?

This is a rewarding challenge for fit, active people who are comfortable with heights and sustained effort. Donnerkogel is a demanding alpine via ferrata with sections up to C/D, steep climbing and significant exposure. Good fitness alone does not make the route suitable for everyone.

Previous via ferrata experience is strongly recommended. Tell us about your experience before joining so your guide can assess whether the day is a good match. If this would be your first via ferrata, contact us first—we can help you choose an appropriate starting point.

€109 per person — guiding and gear included

  • Guiding with A&S Expeditions.
  • All required via ferrata equipment, including helmet, harness and via ferrata set.
  • A group of no more than six participants.

Cable-car tickets are not included. Meet us at Gosausee parking; travel to the meeting point is arranged by you. Bring your own food and drinks for the day.

What to bring

Wear sturdy mountain footwear with good grip and clothing suited to an active autumn day. Bring a small backpack, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, food and sufficient drinking water. Your via ferrata equipment is provided.

Autumn in the Alps

This departure depends on suitable weather, route conditions and access. October can bring cold, snow or ice at altitude. Your guide will review conditions before the trip; the ladder crossing and summit cannot be guaranteed. We will discuss any necessary changes with you before departure.

Make it your next adventure

Bring your curiosity, your energy and a head for heights. We will bring the guiding and the gear. Contact us about Donnerkogel on 20 October, tell us how many people would like to join and share your via ferrata experience.

No online payment is taken. Participation is confirmed personally after suitability and availability have been checked.

Request a place

Registration opens soon. You can ask about a private adventure or contact us.