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

Overland Track

australia/tasmania-cradle-mountain
VS
Route B

Skierfe (Sarek)

sweden/Sarek National Park

Overland Track vs Skierfe (Sarek): Intensity Score Comparison

Skierfe (Sarek) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+27 points). While Overland Track is a serious endeavor, Skierfe (Sarek) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding technical seriousness and exposure.

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

Intensity Difference
+27 Skierfe (Sarek) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Overland Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Skierfe (Sarek)
Greater Commitment
Skierfe (Sarek)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Perfectly Matched Routes
4
Route A
4
Route B
australia/tasmania-cradle-mountain

Overland Track

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Overland Track is a 65km point-to-point alpine traverse through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Running from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, the route passes through dramatic glaciated valleys, ancient rainforests, and high moorlands. Under the management of Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, the trail offers a deep connection to Tasmania's unique natural heritage, including the endemic King Billy Pine and high dolerite peaks. The route consists of a mix of well-maintained boardwalks, exposed rocky ridges, and forested sections that can become muddy during sustained rainfall.

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
67
WINNER94
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
67 WINNER
40
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
51
WINNER96
DistanceLonger route
65 km WINNER
16 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
1,461 m WINNER
770 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,250 m WINNER
1,179 m
DurationShorter commitment
6 days
WINNER1 days
Hazard Level
EXPERT // HAZARD
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
4 / 5
WINNER2 / 5
Remoteness
5 / 5
5 / 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
Overland Track
EXPERT // HAZARD
alpine weather variability: Rapid weather transitions can generate blizzard conditions and strong winds at any time of year on the Cradle Plateau and Pelion Gap.
terrain and traction: Boardwalk sections can be slippery when wet, while forested sectors in the Du Cane range often feature exposed roots and deep mud.
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

Overland Track
Reliable waterproof outer shell and wind protectionFuel-burning stove (open fires are prohibited)4-season alpine-spec shelterPersonal Locator Beacon (PLB)Waterproof pack liner and dry bagsSub-zero rated thermal layers and sleeping system
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
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Seefelder Spitze — The Karwendel Crown
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Thorsborne Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Wilderness Coast Walk
EXPERT // HAZARD