There is a "stairway to heaven" in Austria.

This steel cable ladder is part of the Grosser Donnerkogel (Donnerkogel via ferrata) climbing route. In Italian,via ferrataMeaning "railway," this refers to a path built into the rock face of a cliff, equipped with metal ladders or safety cables to protect climbers. Originally used to support the military during World War II, the term only became popular after mountaineers relied on via ferrata to conquer the Dolomites of Italy. Nowadays, via ferrata is considered a tool to assist amateur climbers attempting to conquer high and challenging peaks beyond their skill level.

The Donnerkogel via ferrata is another such route, and it's very popular among mountaineers in Austria. This route is considered "very difficult to climb," but the rewards after conquering it are well worth it. At the summit, a large cross marks the finish line, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Dachstein Glacier and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Gosau in the valley below. Further in the distance are the Salzkammergut lakes and the picturesque village of Hallstatt – the village that inspired the setting of Disney's Frozen. And most notably, the experience of climbing the Sky Ladder bridge.Stairway to Heaven- connecting the Alps and Grosser Donnerkogel mountain ranges.

The starting point of the ladder is located in the Alps, 700 meters above the ground. Part of the Donnerkogel via ferrata, the purpose of building the Sky Ladder is also to support amateur climbers in gaining experience before conquering higher peaks. Because although from a distance the ladder looks precarious and dangerous, it has protective railings and is still a safer route than normal mountain climbing paths.

However, for those conquering the heights for the first time, it remains a significant challenge. Jess Dales, a tourist who successfully climbed this ladder, shared: “There’s a simple rule that you need to remember when ‘going to heaven’: Focus, really focus on each step. Whatever you’re doing, moving or standing still, don’t look down.”

To reach the Sky Ladder, visitors must participate in a mountain climbing tour to conquer the Alps. The Sky Ladder is the final leg of this journey and also the most attractive point. From the Gablonzer Hütte hut or the Gosaukamm cable car station at the foot of the mountain, visitors will begin the climb to an altitude of 400 meters to reach the summit of the Grosser Donnerkogel pass.

The climb takes about three hours, traversing slopes of moderate to difficult, from flat to rugged. According to the researchers' plan, the Sky Ladder's purpose on this journey is to connect people with nature at a higher level than typical mountain climbing activities.

The creator of Sky Ladder is Heli Putz, an Austrian photographer and guide who earned his international climbing certification at the age of 20. Putz and his Outdoor Leadership group currently operate and organize numerous climbing skills training courses, as well as accompanying tourists on tours to the "stairway to heaven."

Many mountaineering enthusiasts and nature lovers are captivated by this spectacular and challenging experience. Below lies a deep ravine and rugged terrain hundreds of meters away, while above, the azure sky seems to touch the horizon – that's the view when you stand on the Stairway to Heaven, stretching across the Austrian sky.

The journey to conquer the "Stairway to Heaven":

An (photo: Internet)