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

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

austria/Fernpass, Tyrol
VS
Route B

The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau

france/Provence (Calanques National Park)

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee vs The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau: Intensity Score Comparison

The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau is unequivocally more demanding overall (+9 points). While Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee is a serious endeavor, The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+9 The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau is harder
Higher Physical Load
The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau
Higher Technical Seriousness
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
Greater Commitment
The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Perfectly Matched Routes
4
Route A
4
Route B
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.

france/Provence (Calanques National Park)

The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

Widely considered the most iconic hike in the Parc National des Calanques, this 9.5km route links the ports of Cassis and Marseille via a series of dramatic limestone inlets. The trail begins at the boat-filled Port-Miou marina, traverses the white limestone plateau, and passes the pebble beach of Port-Pin. The culmination of the route is the descent into the Calanque d’En-Vau, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbors in Europe, featuring vertical white cliffs and turquoise waters. The route combines accessible coastal pathways with steep, technically challenging descents on polished rock. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
17
WINNER26
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
16
WINNER28
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
23 WINNER
22
DistanceLonger route
5.5 km
WINNER9.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
120 m
WINNER450 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,100 m WINNER
151 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
MODERATE // CHLG
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5 WINNER
5 / 5
Remoteness
2 / 5
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
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
slippery roots near water: The path around the Blindsee is narrow and features many wet tree roots.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau
MODERATE // CHLG
extreme summer heat closure: The Calanques are highly prone to massive forest fires. During summer (June-Sept), the park is entirely closed on days with high fire risk. Even when open, the white rocks act as an oven.
polished limestone slips: The immense popularity of the trail means the limestone rocks, especially on the steep descent into En-Vau, have been polished completely smooth by millions of shoes. It is as slippery as glass.

Required Gear Comparison

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
Light hiking shoesSwimwear (the Blindsee is one of Tyrol's most rewarding swim spots)Polarized sunglassesCamera
The Three Calanques — Port-Miou to En-Vau
Lightweight trail running shoes with sticky rubber solesSwimsuit and microfiber towel (swimming at En-Vau is mandatory, though the water is freezing year-round)Minimum 3L of water per personHigh SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Kaisertal — The Stairway to Heaven
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
The High Descent — Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe to Heiligenblut
MODERATE // CHLG