The correct name of the European Staircase is the European Staircase 4000. It is the longest - straight - staircase in Europe with around 3600 steps, 700 meters in altitude and a length of 1.5 km and is also known as the "largest fitness device in the Alps". The staircase may only be used upwards, as it is not suitable for oncoming traffic due to its steepness - sometimes up to 86% gradient - and its narrow width. The staircase is also not suitable for dogs. There are seating options at several side exits along the route and there are also branching paths that allow tired stair climbers to stop early. The steps are quite different in terms of their structure (worn stone steps, grating steps, narrow bypass of masts) and height and should be walked with concentration, but at the same time they represent a unique challenge for hikers.
The stairs were built parallel to the downpipes of the reservoir above and the power station below as a maintenance staircase for the former Partenen-Trominier inclined elevator up to the power plant facilities, which was used to transport the material for the construction sites.
After the stairs, you can then hike further through the approx. 2.5 km long Vermunt water adventure tunnel to the Bieler Höhe.
The stairs are only accessible in summer. In winter, winter sports enthusiasts can take the Vermunt cable car up and be transported through the tunnel by tunnel bus to the cross-country ski trails and ski facilities.