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

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

austria/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) vs Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm: Intensity Score Comparison

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+7 points). While Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm is a serious endeavor, Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+7 Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
Greater Commitment
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)wins 5 of 5 metrics
5
Route A
0
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/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

One of the longest, deepest, and most impressive gorges in the Alps. The Liechtensteinklamm is famous for its narrow walls that are so close they almost block out the sky. Following a massive rockfall in 2017, the gorge was upgraded with the 'Helix'—a spectacular spiral staircase made of corten steel that descends 30 meters into the depths of the chasm. The path leads over bridges and through tunnels to a massive 50-meter waterfall at the end of the walkable section.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
15 WINNER
8
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
21 WINNER
10
Technical Seriousness
5
5
DistanceLonger route
8 km WINNER
1.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
150 m WINNER
100 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,070 m WINNER
710 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard Level
LOW // ACCESS
LOW // ACCESS
Crowd Level
5 / 5
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
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
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
steep stair climb: The main physical demand is the 440-step staircase section.

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)
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
Comfortable walking shoesLight shell jacket (it stays cool and damp even in summer)Camera

Compare with Other Routes

austria
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Seebachtal & Stappitzer See — The Valley of Waterfalls
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Sigmund Thun Gorge — Kaprun
LOW // ACCESS
australia
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
LOW // ACCESS