European staircase 4000 ​(​including return via Bofa to Partenen​)​

Difficult
closed
Rundtour
Hiking · Round trip
02:10 h duration
5,00 km Length in km
1711 m Highest point
1031 m Lowest point
680 m gain Ascent
680 m gain Descent
Stamina
Difficulty
Adventure
Scenery

Tour description

What was once built as a supply route for the construction of the large reservoirs in the Silvretta is now known as "Europe's longest straight staircase" with around 3,600 steps and an incline of up to 86%.

When preliminary work for the Vermunt plant began in 1925, there was neither electricity nor telephone in Partenen. The conditions under which the reservoirs and pipelines were built can only be guessed at today. Some construction monuments - alongside the reservoirs - are still visible to the naked eye, such as the nearly 4,000-step European staircase in Partenen. It is the longest straight staircase in Europe and runs with an incline of up to 86% alongside the Vermuntbahn. The staircase demands a high level of coordination and reaction ability because each step varies in height and depth. Those who "manage" the staircase in a run put themselves on a level with Austrian ski aces and other international top athletes who regularly train here.

Public transport

Bus line 650

Directions

To the left of the Vermuntbahn valley station, a short staircase leads to Bofastraße, which is crossed directly under the railway track. This is the starting point of the European staircase 4000. On steps of varying condition, it now goes straight and steep uphill towards the mountain station. At the halfway point and in the last third, there are approximately 50-meter-long paths that do not run straight. The return route starts directly to the right of the Vermuntbahn mountain station; you follow the path markings through the forest towards the valley. The last few meters then lead you back over Bofastraße to the starting point.

Tips

In summer, the best time for the staircase is determined at the "Montafoner Stair Cup," currently about 22 minutes. You can find all information about the event at scspartenen.at

Destination

Partenen, Vermuntbahn valley station

Starting Point

Partenen, Vermuntbahn valley station

Sicherheitstipps für Wandern in Vorarlberg

EN NOTRUF:

EN 140 - Alpine Notfälle österreichweit 

EN 144 - Alpine Notfälle Vorarlberg 

EN 112 - Euro-Notruf (funktioniert mit jedem Handy/Netz) 

Properties
Route type Hiking, Round trip
Difficulty Difficult
Elevation profile
Best months
Jan
Feb
Mar
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May
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Dec