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

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

israel/national-cross-country
VS
Route B

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

austria/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) vs Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm: Intensity Score Comparison

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+58 points). While Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm is a serious endeavor, Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+58 Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Greater Commitment
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)wins 8 of 10 metrics
8
Route A
2
Route B
israel/national-cross-country

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is a long-distance route spanning approximately 1,100km (680 miles) from Kibbutz Dan in the north to the Red Sea at Eilat. The trail traverses diverse ecological and historical zones, including the forested hills of the Galilee, the coastal plain, the Jerusalem highlands, and the extensive Negev and Arava deserts. Thru-hiking the full distance typically requires 40-50 days. The infrastructure utilizes ancient caravan roads, Roman routes, and significant desert wadi systems, providing a comprehensive transect of the region's topography and Mediterranean-to-arid climate transition.

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
66 WINNER
8
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
80 WINNER
10
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
40 WINNER
5
DistanceLonger route
1100 km WINNER
1.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
18,000 m WINNER
100 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,208 m WINNER
710 m
DurationShorter commitment
45 days
WINNER1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD
WINNERLOW // ACCESS
Crowd LevelLess crowded
2 / 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
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
EXPERT // HAZARD
water scarcity in negev: The southern half of the trail (Negev Desert) has almost no natural water sources for days at a time.
extreme heat and flash floods: Daytime temperatures in the desert can exceed 35°C, while narrow wadis can flash-flood instantly during rare rain events.
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

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
High-quality, breathable trekking bootsWater bladder system (minimum 3L)Lightweight tent or tarp for the desert sectionsSun protection (everything from hat to SPF 50+)Small spirit stove or small burner (for desert camping)INT Trail Map or GPS with 'Shvil' trackLightweight down jacket (desert nights are cold in winter)
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
Comfortable walking shoesLight shell jacket (it stays cool and damp even in summer)Camera

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
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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