Have you brought your via ferrata kit out of hibernation and broken in your hiking boots yet? If not, it’s high time you did!
Slowly, the snow is melting in the sun, temperatures are rising – and in many homes, the via ferrata set is being fetched from the cellar. The Via Ferrata season is finally here again! In this article, we’ll introduce you to four Via Ferratass to kick off the season. From short routes for beginners to long, challenging Via Ferratas for advanced climbers, there’s something for every level.
The St. Adolari Via Ferrata/Iron Way in the Loferer & Leogang Rocky Mountains is ideal for Via Ferrata/Iron Way beginners thanks to its short length and features such as a zip line and a rope bridge. But even seasoned via ferrata enthusiasts looking to start the season at a leisurely pace and brush up on their techniques will have a great time. The route is also suitable for families with children who have climbing experience, thanks to its moderate difficulty and short access.
The Geierwand Via Ferrata/Iron Way near Haiming, just before the entrance to the Ötztal valley, is one of the longest Via Ferratas/Iron Ways in the Inn Valley. With its B/C difficulty rating, it is also recommended for slightly more experienced Via Ferrata/Iron Way beginners. The steel cable winds its way upwards through numerous traverses and vertical sections. In the upper third, a bench invites you to take a break – with the chance to take some lovely photos with the Inn Valley in the background. The absolute highlight is the rope bridge with its view of the Inn Valley!
However, given its distance of 800 metres, the Via Ferrata/Iron Way should by no means be underestimated – a good level of fitness is essential! Due to its southerly exposure, it is accessible almost all year round; on hot summer days, be sure to take plenty to drink with you. It is well within the capabilities of teenagers with a reasonable level of fitness. With children, however, the via ferrata is a very ambitious undertaking due to its distance and the descent, and should only be attempted by very experienced climbers. The descent is partly secured by ropes, leading down through a steep wood to the foot of the cliff.
The quintessential classic in the Innsbruck area! Offering constant views of the Inn Valley, the Kaiser-Max Via Ferrata/Iron Way – one of the most challenging Via Ferratas/Iron Ways in the Eastern Alps – winds its way up through the imposing and historic Martinswand. Up to the Kaiser-Max Grotto, where there is an exit, the route is graded D. Only very experienced and strong via ferrata climbers are advised to continue beyond the grotto: The upper 150 metres beyond the grotto are rated E, the highest grade on the via ferrata scale. Almost 100 metres of altitude must be conquered here, on slabs and with poor footholds. Apart from the steel cable, there are hardly any artificial footholds, which demands enormous arm strength and sure-footedness. Tragedies occur here time and again because people overestimate their abilities – the Kaiser-Max Via Ferrata/Iron Way is really only recommended for the very experienced and physically fit! The descent follows the secured via ferrata down to the Grottenweg and continues through the quarry to Zirl, from where you can return to the car park along the main road.
Please note: The Kaiser-Max Via Ferrata/Iron Way is closed at certain times of the year – please check the current opening status on the website before setting off!
The Steinwand Via Ferrata/Iron Way at the entrance to the Pitztal is ideal, particularly on days when the weather is unpredictable or when it’s hot. Two Via Ferratas/Iron Ways climb steeply up the north face of the Burgstall: the challenging Angy-Eiter Via Ferrata/Iron Way (D+) and the classic Steinwand Via Ferrata/Iron Way (B/C), which stands out for its spectacular ladder. Thanks to this ladder, the Steinwand Via Ferrata/Iron Way is a real highlight, especially for children and teenagers! The short approach and descent round off the experience perfectly. The north face of the Burgstall is also ideally suited to mixed groups comprising both very experienced climbers and beginners, thanks to the steep Angy-Eiter Via Ferrata/Iron Way.
Tips & Safety
Would you like to find out more about climbing safety? Click here for our safety tips.
