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

Helags Summit

sweden/Jämtland/Härjedalen
VS
Route B

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

austria/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg

Helags Summit vs Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm: Intensity Score Comparison

Helags Summit is unequivocally more demanding overall (+60 points). While Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm is a serious endeavor, Helags Summit pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+60 Helags Summit is harder
Higher Physical Load
Helags Summit
Higher Technical Seriousness
Helags Summit
Greater Commitment
Helags Summit
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Helags Summitwins 8 of 10 metrics
8
Route A
2
Route B
sweden/Jämtland/Härjedalen

Helags Summit

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Helags (Helagsfjället) stands at 1,797 meters, making it the highest mountain in Sweden south of the Arctic Circle. Visually striking due to its dramatic, horseshoe-shaped crater and its status as the home to Sweden's southernmost glacier, it is a highly prized summit. The standard expedition involves a two-day excursion: a sweeping 12km approach hike across open moorland from the Kläppen parking lot to the perfectly situated STF Helags Mountain Station at the base of the mountain. From there, hikers tackle the steep, rocky 4km ascent along the crater rim to the summit, offering unbelievable views over the wilderness of Jämtland and deep into Norway.

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
68 WINNER
8
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
55 WINNER
10
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
72 WINNER
5
DistanceLonger route
32 km WINNER
1.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
1,050 m WINNER
100 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,797 m WINNER
710 m
DurationShorter commitment
2 days
WINNER1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD
WINNERLOW // ACCESS
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5 WINNER
5 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 5 WINNER
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
Helags Summit
EXPERT // HAZARD
weather exposure: The peak is completely exposed to weather fronts moving in from the Atlantic over Norway. Winds can rapidly reach hurricane force on the summit ridge.
boulder fields: The final 800 vertical meters are an endless sea of loose, sharp rocks ranging from the size of a toaster to the size of a car.
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

Helags Summit
Stiff mountain bootsWindproof shell and thick insulating layer (even in July)Binoculars (to spot Arctic Foxes and reindeer)Trekking poles
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
Comfortable walking shoesLight shell jacket (it stays cool and damp even in summer)Camera

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
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
LOW // ACCESS