4 via ferratas for spring

The snow is slowly giving way to sunshine, temperatures are rising and some people are waking up their via ferrata sets from hibernation. Have you already taken yours out of the cellar and broken in your climbing boots? If not, it's high time you did! The via ferrata season is finally starting again! In this article, we present 4 via ferratas for the start of the season. From short routes for beginners to long, challenging via ferrata routes for advanced climbers, there's something for every level.

1st St. Adolari practice via ferrata

The St. Adolari via ferrata in the Loferer and Leoganger Steinberge is ideal for via ferrata beginners thanks to its short length and features such as a flying fox and a rope bridge. However, die-hard via ferrata climbers who want to start the season in comfort and repeat and consolidate all the moves will also have fun. The via ferrata is also suitable for families with (climbing-experienced) children due to its moderate difficulty and short approach.

2nd Geierwand via ferrata

The Geierwand via ferrata near Haiming, just before the entrance to Ötztal, is one of the longest via ferratas in the Inntal valley. With its B/C rating, it is also recommended for more experienced via ferrata beginners. The steel cable winds its way up through many crossings and vertical passages. In the upper third, a bench invites you to take a break - including beautiful photos with the Inn Valley in the background. The absolute highlight of this via ferrata is definitely the rope bridge with a view of the Inn Valley!

Due to its length of 800 m, the via ferrata should not be underestimated! Good physical condition is required! Due to its southern exposure, it is accessible almost all year round. On hot summer days you should definitely take enough to drink with you! The via ferrata is suitable for young people in good physical condition. With children, the via ferrata is a very ambitious undertaking due to its length and the descent and should only be attempted by very experienced climbers! The descent is partly secured by ropes through a steep forest down to the foot of the wall.

3rd Kaiser Max via ferrata

The classic in the Innsbruck area par excellence! With a constant view of the Inn Valley and its surroundings, the Kaiser Max via ferrata, one of the most difficult in the Eastern Alps, leads up through the imposing and historic Martinswand. Up to the Kaiser-Max Grotto, where there is an exit, it is rated D. The onward route from the grotto is only recommended for very experienced and strong via ferrata climbers! The top 150 m after the grotto are rated E, the most difficult on the via ferrata scale. Nearly 100 m of vertical climbing need to be conquered here. You have to fight your way up on slabs and poor footholds. Apart from the steel cable, there are hardly any artificial footholds here, which requires enormous arm strength and surefootedness! The Kaiser Max via ferrata is really only recommended for very experienced and physically fit climbers! There are always dramas on this via ferrata because people overestimate themselves! The descent is via the secured descent via ferrata down to the Grottenweg and via this through the quarry to Zirl, where you return to the parking lot along the main road. The Kaiser-Max via ferrata is open again from April 16th 2022, please note the current opening status on the website!

4th Steinwand via ferrata

The Steinwand via ferrata at the entrance to the Pitztal is ideal for days when the weather is unsafe or hot. The two via ferratas lead steeply up the north face of the Burgstall. One is the difficult Angy-Eiter via ferrata (D+) and the other is the classic Steinwand via ferrata (B/C), which impresses with its spectacular ladder. The Steinwand via ferrata is a particular highlight for children and young people thanks to its ladder! The short ascent and descent round off the whole experience. The Burgstall north face is also ideal for mixed groups of very experienced climbers and beginners thanks to the steep Angy-Eiter via ferrata.

To summarize:

The most family-friendly: St. Adolari via ferrataThe longest: Geierwand via ferrataThe most difficult: Kaiser Max via ferrataThe most group-friendly: Steinwand via ferrata