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

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

austria/Fernpass, Tyrol
VS
Route B

Trolltunga

norway/hardangerfjord

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee vs Trolltunga: Intensity Score Comparison

Trolltunga is unequivocally more demanding overall (+57 points). While Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee is a serious endeavor, Trolltunga pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+57 Trolltunga is harder
Higher Physical Load
Trolltunga
Higher Technical Seriousness
Trolltunga
Greater Commitment
Trolltunga
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Trolltungawins 6 of 8 metrics
2
Route A
6
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.

norway/hardangerfjord

Trolltunga

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Troll's Tongue. Trolltunga is one of Norway's most spectacular scenic cliffs, hovering 700 meters above the Ringedalsvatnet lake. It was formed during the ice age, about 10,000 years ago, when glacial meltwater froze in the crevices of the mountain and eventually broke off large, angular blocks. The hike is as legendary as the cliff itself, taking you through high-alpine terrain, past mountain streams, and along the edge of the fjord with constant, scenic views.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
17
WINNER74
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
16
WINNER51
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
23
WINNER81
DistanceLonger route
5.5 km
WINNER28 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
120 m
WINNER800 m
Highest Point
1,100 m
1,100 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5 WINNER
5 / 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
Trolltunga
EXPERT // HAZARD
rapid weather change: The weather can change from clear sun to heavy fog and rain in minutes, making the high plateau dangerous.
crowds and queues: In peak season, the queue to take a photo on the 'tongue' can be 2-3 hours long.

Required Gear Comparison

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
Light hiking shoesSwimwear (the Blindsee is one of Tyrol's most rewarding swim spots)Polarized sunglassesCamera
Trolltunga
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good gripWindproof and waterproof hardshell jacket and pantsMultiple layers of wool/fleeceHigh-energy snacks and 2L+ of waterHeadlamp (essential if starting early or finishing late)Power bank for navigation

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