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

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)

france/Alps (Haute-Savoie)
VS
Route B

Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges

austria/Gastein Valley, Salzburg

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) vs Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges: Intensity Score Comparison

Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges is unequivocally more demanding overall (+19 points). While Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) is a serious endeavor, Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+19 Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges is harder
Higher Physical Load
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
Higher Technical Seriousness
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
Greater Commitment
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridgeswins 7 of 8 metrics
1
Route A
7
Route B
france/Alps (Haute-Savoie)

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

Translated literally as 'The End of the World', this spectacular 8km loop is located in the immense limestone amphitheater of the Cirque du Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Surrounded by towering 2,000-meter cliffs, this is a predominantly flat, welcoming walk that traces the Giffre river to its source. It is perfect for those seeking high-alpine drama without the grueling climbs usually required to find it. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

austria/Gastein Valley, Salzburg

Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Standing sentinel over the Belle Époque spa town of Bad Gastein, the Graukogel is a mountain of contrasts. It is famous for its ancient 'Zirbenwald' (stone pine forest), with trees over 300 years old. While the 'Zirbenweg' near the cable car station is a gentle sensory walk, the true Graukogel experience involves the strenuous, steep ascent to the summit (2,492m) and the traverse to the Palfnersee lake. The terrain transitions from scented forest to unforgiving granite ridges and scree, offering unparalleled views of the High Tauern's 'main chain' and the Ankogel massif.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
15
WINNER34
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
21
WINNER38
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
5
WINNER26
DistanceLonger route
8 km
WINNER12 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
150 m
WINNER1,050 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,070 m
WINNER2,492 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER2 / 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
Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)
LOW // ACCESS
spring avalanches and rockfall: The trail pushes deep into the base of 2,000m cliffs. In spring, massive chunks of ice and loosened rock frequently crash down into the valley.
sudden river surges: The Giffre river and its tributaries can swell rapidly on hot afternoons when the glacial melt above accelerates.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
sustained and demanding ascent: The ascent from the middle station to the summit is very steep and continuous.
steep rocky ridge sections: The ridge path toward the Palfnersee involves navigating large granite blocks requiring careful foot placement; they can be slippery when wet.

Required Gear Comparison

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)
Lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes (the valley floor is often sodden with water spray and small streams crossing the path)Waterproof jacket (hikers will likely get sprayed by the waterfalls if the wind picks up)Camera with a wide-angle lens (the scale of the cirque is nearly impossible to capture)Binoculars (to spot chamois and ibex clinging to the impossible cliffs high above)
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
Sturdy mountain bootsTrekking polesCompression socks (for the descent)Water (2L minimum)Sun protection

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
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
LOW // ACCESS