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

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

austria/Fernpass, Tyrol
VS
Route B

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

israel/national-cross-country

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee vs Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el): Intensity Score Comparison

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+49 points). While Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee is a serious endeavor, Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+49 Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Greater Commitment
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)wins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
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.

israel/national-cross-country

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is a long-distance route spanning approximately 1,100km (680 miles) from Kibbutz Dan in the north to the Red Sea at Eilat. The trail traverses diverse ecological and historical zones, including the forested hills of the Galilee, the coastal plain, the Jerusalem highlands, and the extensive Negev and Arava deserts. Thru-hiking the full distance typically requires 40-50 days. The infrastructure utilizes ancient caravan roads, Roman routes, and significant desert wadi systems, providing a comprehensive transect of the region's topography and Mediterranean-to-arid climate transition.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
17
WINNER66
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
16
WINNER80
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
23
WINNER40
DistanceLonger route
5.5 km
WINNER1100 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
120 m
WINNER18,000 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,100 m
WINNER1,208 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
45 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5
WINNER2 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 5
WINNER3 / 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
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
EXPERT // HAZARD
water scarcity in negev: The southern half of the trail (Negev Desert) has almost no natural water sources for days at a time.
extreme heat and flash floods: Daytime temperatures in the desert can exceed 35°C, while narrow wadis can flash-flood instantly during rare rain events.

Required Gear Comparison

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
Light hiking shoesSwimwear (the Blindsee is one of Tyrol's most rewarding swim spots)Polarized sunglassesCamera
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
High-quality, breathable trekking bootsWater bladder system (minimum 3L)Lightweight tent or tarp for the desert sectionsSun protection (everything from hat to SPF 50+)Small spirit stove or small burner (for desert camping)INT Trail Map or GPS with 'Shvil' trackLightweight down jacket (desert nights are cold in winter)

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