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

Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern

austria/Gastein Valley, Salzburg

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse) vs Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern: Intensity Score Comparison

5 of the 7 Sisters (Maumturks Traverse) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+42 points). While Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern 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
+42 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/Gastein Valley, Salzburg

Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

Deep within the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Prossautal is a valley that branches off the Kötschachtal near Bad Gastein. This long but mostly flat trail follows the Kötschach Ache river into a classic glacial box valley. The rock walls on either side rise significantly, with multiple thin waterfalls cascading down the granite faces. The trail ends at the Alpengasthof Prossau, a traditional alpine inn positioned near the base of the Tischler glacier.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
68 WINNER
26
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
46 WINNER
32
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
72 WINNER
23
DistanceLonger route
18.5 km WINNER
14 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
1,250 m WINNER
230 m
Highest PointHigher summit
702 m
WINNER1,278 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD
WINNERLOW // ACCESS
Crowd LevelLess crowded
1 / 5 WINNER
2 / 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
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
LOW // ACCESS
length exhaustion: The 14km round trip is longer than it appears on a map, especially for families with small children.

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
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
Light hiking shoesSun protectionWater bottleCameraLight fleece (the valley is shaded and cool)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS