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

Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark

austria/Salzkammergut, Obertraun/Hallstatt
VS
Route B

Tyresta National Park (Tyrestarundan)

sweden/Stockholm Archipelago / Södermanland

Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark vs Tyresta National Park (Tyrestarundan): Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (23 vs 26). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark's technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+3 Tyresta National Park (Tyrestarundan) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Tyresta National Park (Tyrestarundan)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
Greater Commitment
Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Tyresta National Park (Tyrestarundan)wins 4 of 7 metrics
3
Route A
4
Route B
austria/Salzkammergut, Obertraun/Hallstatt

Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

High above the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt, the Krippenstein plateau is a vast, karst landscape that feels like another planet. The trail leads from the cable car mountain station to the '5 Fingers'—a viewing platform shaped like a hand reaching out over a 400m drop toward Lake Hallstatt. Further along the Heilbronn Circular Path, hikers encounter the 'Dachstein Shark', a massive metal sculpture that reminds visitors that this 2,100m high limestone plateau was once the bottom of the ocean.

sweden/Stockholm Archipelago / Södermanland

Tyresta National Park (Tyrestarundan)

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

It is remarkably rare for a major European capital to have a pristine expanse of ancient primeval forest just 20 kilometers from the city center. Tyresta National Park is Stockholm's wilderness backyard. The premier hike is the purple-blazed Tyrestarundan (The Tyresta Circuit), a 14km (8.7-mile) loop that functions as a highlight reel of Swedish nature. The trail takes hikers through dark, moss-draped ancient pine forests (with trees over 400 years old), past three distinct glass-like lakes, and directly through the stark, silver skeletons of the 1999 forest fire zone. It is immaculately maintained, featuring fire pits with supplied wood, making it the significant accessible day hike.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
23
WINNER26
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
20
WINNER33
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
27 WINNER
22
DistanceLonger route
6.5 km
WINNER14 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
200 m
WINNER300 m
Highest PointHigher summit
2,108 m WINNER
85 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard Level
STANDARD // RT
STANDARD // RT
Crowd Level
4 / 5
4 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 5 WINNER
1 / 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
Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
STANDARD // RT
weather and visibility: The karst plateau is very difficult to navigate in fog; the grey rocks blend perfectly with grey clouds.
alpine karst holes: Limestone terrain naturally features deep 'Doline' (sinkholes).
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Tyresta National Park (Tyrestarundan)
STANDARD // RT
slippery roots and rocks: While flat, the ancient forest floor is an intricate web of massive tree roots and smooth granite slabs that become as slick as ice after rain.

Required Gear Comparison

Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
Sturdy trail shoes with good tractionSun protection (karst limestone reflects 2x UV)WindbreakerCameraWater bottle
Tyresta National Park (Tyrestarundan)
Comfortable walking shoes/trail runnersWater bottleMatches/lighter (to use the provided fire pits and barbecue grills)Swimsuit in summer (the lakes are perfect for a dip)

Compare with Other Routes

austria
The Gaisalmsteig — Achensee’s Fjordside Path
STANDARD // RT
austria
Grossglockner — The Gamsgrubenweg Trail
STANDARD // RT
austria
Krimml Waterfalls — The Vertical Mist
STANDARD // RT
austria
Ravensburger Hütte — The Rote Wand Panorama
STANDARD // RT
australia
Three Capes Track
STANDARD // RT
brazil
Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill)
STANDARD // RT