HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)

ireland/Connemara
VS
Route B

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

austria/Fernpass, Tyrol

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse) vs Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee: Intensity Score Comparison

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+51 points). While Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee is a serious endeavor, 5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+51 5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse) is harder
Higher Physical Load
5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)
Higher Technical Seriousness
5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)
Greater Commitment
5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)wins 7 of 9 metrics
7
Route A
2
Route B
ireland/Connemara

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

A breakdown of the 5 of the 7 Sisters route shows a high-intensity traverse of the central Maumturks range in Connemara. This is not a standard marked trail; it is a rugged, mostly pathless journey across steep quartzite ridges. The route mechanics involve constant vertical transitions over rough scree and damp peat hags. The environment is characterized by dramatic topographic relief and the distinct lack of a defined treadway, requiring constant navigational awareness.

austria/Fernpass, Tyrol

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

The Blindsee and Weißensee lie below the Fernpass road in Tyrol, Austria. The trail forms a short loop around Blindsee and includes an optional detour to Weißensee. The lakes are surrounded by limestone slopes and mixed forest, offering clear water and alpine scenery.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
68 WINNER
17
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
46 WINNER
16
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
72 WINNER
23
DistanceLonger route
18.5 km WINNER
5.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
1,250 m WINNER
120 m
Highest PointHigher summit
702 m
WINNER1,100 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD
WINNERLOW // ACCESS
Crowd LevelLess crowded
1 / 5 WINNER
3 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 5 WINNER
2 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // RT
3
MODERATE // CHLG
4
EXPERT // HAZARD
5
EXTREME // LETHAL

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)
EXPERT // HAZARD
Meteorological Hazards: Connemara experiences rapid shifts in weather; heavy mist can reduce visibility to less than 10 meters instantly.
Terrain Hazards: The quartzite scree is unstable and becomes exceptionally slick when wet. Steep peat hags in the cols are prone to erosion and can be deep.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
slippery roots near water: The path around the Blindsee is narrow and features many wet tree roots.

Required Gear Comparison

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse)
Mountain boots with aggressive lug patternsGaiters (essential for peat bog crossings)Hard-shell waterproof jacket and trousersPaper map (OSI Sheet 44/50) and compassEmergency bivvy bag
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
Light hiking shoesSwimwear (the Blindsee is one of Tyrol's most rewarding swim spots)Polarized sunglassesCamera

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
LOW // ACCESS