Summit tour through the devil’s holes on the Hochkönig

The Hochkönig massif is not only home to wonderful hikes and bike tours, it is also very popular with mountaineers. The rugged rock giants exert an unbroken fascination and are among the top destinations for spectacular alpine hiking in all of Austria. A special via ferrata leads to a legendary place: the Teufelslöcher on the Hochkönig. Experienced mountain professionals feel at home here.

How the devil’s holes got their name

Said devil’s holes on the Hochkönig actually look like two oversized holes, but what does the person actually have to do with them? An exciting legend tells of a loud, exuberant celebration at the foot of the Hochkönig. In their arrogance, the rude dairymen sent a poor, old man in a gray pilgrim’s coat mercilessly away. The next morning a thick, deep black cloud cover enveloped the mountain, lightning and thunderbolt drove down terribly. An enormous flood of water poured over an alpine pasture and immediately froze to glacier ice – hence the name “Übergossene Alm”. Screaming devils drove through the rock holes.

Challenging via ferrata on the Hochkönig

Such hellish horrors no longer have to be feared today. The summit tour through the Teufelslöcher should not be taken lightly and is reserved for experienced alpine professionals. Alpine equipment and a lot of experience are mandatory when tackling the 2,000 meters of altitude on path no.431 in Hinterthal. Direction Triefen and further to the right follow the forest road 431, then at the next junction left on the meadow path 431 towards Bertgenhütte and Teufelslöcher. An alpine path that is only partially insured begins here. No shrinkage and surefootedness are an absolute must on the path. After the Teufelslöchern the path heads for the glacier of the Übergossene Alm and ends at No. 401 at the Matrashaus. After about six and a half hours, the nine kilometers are covered.

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