The question of the first successful ascent has been a matter of controversial discussion even in contemporary newspaper articles.

Two potential summit successes occurred in 1819 and 1823 by Jakob Buchsteiner, the latter of which is today thought to be the first ascent of neighbouring Torstein.

The sheer southern face was first climbed on 22 September 1909 by the brothers Irg and Franz Steiner.

In fine weather as many as 100 climbers may be attempting the ascent, leading to congestion at key sections of the climb.

On April 15, 1954, during the Easter holiday 13 people from Heilbronn went missing in what is now known as the Dachstein hiking disaster.