Hexensteig, via ferrata B-C

Approach from Admonter Haus:

On trail no. 634 towards Natterriegel over a dwarf pine ridge, at 1800 m diverting slightly into the southwest flank (rock ledges, brittle rock, protections), then again up the ridge in switchbacks. Left into the saddle west of Mittagskogel (with old cross) and shortly after transition to Natterriegel (with new cross). Descent westward into the Natterriegelscharte and with a few steps (sign) to the start of the Hexensteig, 1980 m, 1 hr.

Via ferrata:

Around a ridge elevation to the right, then on the ridge to the next elevation and again to the right. Airy-steep descent into a saddle, over a hump and traverse to the left into the south flank. Then the core section of the trail with the logbook, a steep ramp and the key section a short overhang (B-C). Shortly higher, then unprotected descent on a rock-strewn narrow ridge (caution!) into a saddle and beyond over a grassy ridge and a flat rock ridge into the Rosskarscharte at the junction of the normal route through Rosskar. The steep final summit ascent deviates right from the ridge and leads over partly protected ledges and grassy slopes to the summit ridge and shortly to the cross. 1 hr.

Descent:

Ascent route, or from Rosskarscharte down the normal route into the uppermost Rosskar (caution for other hikers and do not dislodge stones yourself!) to 1900 m. Traverse through scree and uphill through a steep rock zone (protections, A-B) into the Natterriegelscharte and further up to the Natterriegel. From there descent to Admonter Haus, 1 ¾ hrs.

Descent variant: From Natterriegelscharte no longer ascend Natterriegel, but descend right around it on the Jägersteig (no marking but clear trail, technically more demanding than the normal route, scenically rewarding). Cross a brittle steep gully on the way, then onto the hiking trail and back to Admonter Haus on this.