Marxersteig Trail

Steep, but not without danger in places. Roots, loose stones, narrow sections and a section with steel cables at the top. With caution, however, it is doable, you should be relatively fit.

A little-used trail, designed by a 20th-century teacher.
The junction from the Grottenweg to the Marxersteig is easily overlooked, as the trail is not officially signposted. Currently (summer 2025), the beginning is heavily overgrown, but as soon as you re-enter the forest, the vegetation diminishes. Despite the red markings, you should have good orientation and an eye for the trail, as the next marker is often not immediately visible. You should also be sure-footed and have a good head for heights, as the summit climb (the same as the normal route from the south) must also be mastered to reach the summit (referred to as via ferrata A/B depending on the literature). The Marxersteig is primarily used by climbers to access the routes around the Kofel. The path is interspersed with roots and loose scree (Caution! Don't kick any stones!). In the upper part (Kofelküche) there are a few rope-secured climbing passages, which are similar to the summit climb, but should not be underestimated due to the surrounding terrain, especially on the descent.

Steep, very beautiful path up to the Kofel. Partly secured with steel cable, but apart from the steepness, not very demanding.