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

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

austria/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg
VS
Route B

Skierfe (Sarek)

sweden/Sarek National Park

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm vs Skierfe (Sarek): Intensity Score Comparison

Skierfe (Sarek) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+86 points). While Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm is a serious endeavor, Skierfe (Sarek) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+86 Skierfe (Sarek) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Skierfe (Sarek)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Skierfe (Sarek)
Greater Commitment
Skierfe (Sarek)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Skierfe (Sarek)wins 8 of 9 metrics
1
Route A
8
Route B
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.

sweden/Sarek National Park

Skierfe (Sarek)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Sarek National Park is considered Europe's last true wilderness: no marked trails, no cabins, no bridges over raging glacial rivers, and no cell service. However, on the very eastern edge of Sarek lies Mt. Skierfe (1,179m), boasting a sheer 700-meter vertical drop overlooking the braided, turquoise waters of the Rapadalen delta. The view from the top is universally acclaimed as the most beautiful in all of Sweden. To reach it without undertaking a strenuous 10-day survival expedition deep into Sarek, hikers take a multi-day detour off the Kungsleden trail to the STF Aktse hut. From Aktse, Skierfe is climbed as a demanding 10-mile (16km) round-trip day hike through dense birch forests and steep alpine tundra, terminating at the demanding, unprotected cliff edge.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
8
WINNER94
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
10
WINNER40
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
5
WINNER96
DistanceLonger route
1.5 km
WINNER16 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
100 m
WINNER770 m
Highest PointHigher summit
710 m
WINNER1,179 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER2 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 5
WINNER5 / 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
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
steep stair climb: The main physical demand is the 440-step staircase section.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Skierfe (Sarek)
EXPERT // HAZARD
serious cliff edge: The summit of Skierfe simply stops and drops 700m straight down into the valley. There are no guardrails.
extreme remoteness: While Aktse has a hut, you are on the border of Sarek. A serious medical emergency here is a very bad situation.

Required Gear Comparison

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
Comfortable walking shoesLight shell jacket (it stays cool and damp even in summer)Camera
Skierfe (Sarek)
Sturdy waterproof boots (the trail from Aktse is often a horrific mud bath)GPS device with offline maps (the trail fades out near the top)Windproof/waterproof shellA heavy backpack capable of carrying multiple days of food (to reach the basecamp)

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