Grossarl: Bella Cascinaia

After the ascent to the Saukaralm, follow the hiking trail to the entrance of the via ferrata Bella Cascinaia. The Bella Cascinaia is a short, but scenically very beautiful and challenging via ferrata and leads to the Saukarkopf, the local mountain of Großarl. From the summit there is a wonderful view of the Hochkönig, the Dachstein and the peaks of the Ankogel group. The rock climbing system is well anchored and a small rope bridge offers an airy challenge.

The descent is via the marked hiking trail to the Saukaralm and the Gerstreitalm. You can take a rest at both alpine pastures and recover from the successful ascent.

ASCENT:
Option I: From the village center of Grossarl, you take the path no. 17 (Hertas Rast) to the farm Vorderstadluck - approx. 1 h (until here you can go by car or hiking taxi). Ascent on to path no. 65 (or 65A via the Gerstreitalm, 1,575 m - about 1 h) to the Saukaralm, 1,850 m (about 1 h from the Gerstreitalm or about 2 h from the farm Vorderstadluck) and continue in the direction to the Saukarkopf to the crossing "Via ferrata (about 15 min).
Option II: You go by car or hiking taxi until shortly before the Sonneggbrücke. Hike along the path no. 65B to the Saukaralm, 1,850 m (about 2 h) and continue as in option I.

VIA FERRATA: Initially, you ascend a big rocky pillar which becomes increasingly difficult, continuing to the right via a gently overhanging ledge to a key point just before the Pfeilerkopf (D/E).   

Immediately afterwards, a double-cable footbridge will take you across a ravine to the main wall, where you continue steeply upwards before the trail – now less difficult – brings you to a stage that features beautiful plated rocks. Your climb continues steeply upwards by a small ledge (C/D). There is now a short, somewhat easier section, until you finally come to yet another ledge bringing you to the final, difficult section of the via ferrata. Things become easier, with flatter terrain taking you to the end of the climb. 

Length: 130 m
Meters in altitude: 100 m
Difficulty: D/E

DESCENT: From the Saukarkopf, 2,048 m, you hike down on the marked hiking path (no. 65) to the Saukaralm and downwards as described in option I or II.