5 via ferratas close to the valley for beginners & families

For many, a via ferrata is the perfect introduction to the world of vertical climbing. There is no need for complicated material science, you can get to the top comfortably with a steel cable. However, if the first via ferrata is chosen incorrectly, the supposed safety can quickly become a danger due to excessive demands.

Via ferrata routes suitable for beginners should therefore be of moderate difficulty and have a manageable ascent and descent, which children in particular will appreciate. We have put together 5 via ferratas close to the valley for beginners and families.

1st Steinwand (B/C), Pitztal

Right at the entrance to the Pitztal Valley is the Steinwand, which offers two beautiful via ferrata variants. The right-hand variant is suitable for beginners; it takes a good 10 minutes to reach the start from the parking lot. More experienced hikers can tackle the left-hand variant, which has a difficulty rating of C/D and requires good fitness and muscle strength. The great advantage of the Steinwand is that everyone can find what they are looking for! And at the end, everyone can enjoy a picnic together with a view of the valley.

Details & topo: Steinwand in Pitztal

2nd Walchseerunde (C) at the Ottenalm in Kufsteinerland

The family-friendly and idyllic Ottenalm in Kaiserwinkl near Walchsee is worth a trip in itself. Five minutes behind the hut is the Harau Spitze (1,117 m), through the north face of which two challenging Vie Ferrate routes lead: the Ottenalm Direttissima and the Bergkameradensteig. The Walchseerunde is a small practice variant on the far right, you should plan 20 minutes for it. And if you get hungry from pulling and climbing, you know where to find the Ottenalm!

Details & topo: Via ferrata Walchseerunde, Ottenalm

3rd family via ferrata "Little Ballun" (B), Galtür

Admittedly, we are stretching the term "close to the valley" a little here, as the "Little Ballun " uses the ascent aid of the Birkhahnbahn cable car near Galtür. This reduces the ascent to a child-friendly five minutes and the view is correspondingly wider. The difficulty of the via ferrata, which has been specially designed for families, is limited and is usually between A and B, with climbing on solid primary rock. A great excursion for everyone aged eight and over!

Details & topo: Little Ballun via ferrata, Galtür

4th practice via ferrata Piburger See (B/C), Ötztal

If you google "Ötztal" and "via ferrata", you really are spoilt for choice - there is a steel cable stretching through almost every rock face here. A particularly easy via ferrata with minimal access was built last year not far from Lake Piburger See(How is a via ferrata actually built? Here is the article about it). The practice via ferrata is ideal for the first few meters of vertical climbing, in summer Lake Piburger See is a great place to cool off and you can get an ice cream in the surrounding inns anyway.

Details & topo: Piburg practice via ferrata

5th "Holderli Seppl" via ferrata (B/C), Kaunertal

You rarely get so much natural spectacle for a mere 10-minute ascent: the via ferrata starts right at the impressive Rifflbach waterfallin the rear Kaunertal valley. The route continues over polished gneiss slabs along the watercourse to the "Schnapsloch" at 2,100 meters. A great way to enjoy a sober hike! Plus: every Tuesday in summer there are guided via ferrata tours for children(program here).

Details & topo: "Holderli Seppl" via ferrata, Kaunertal

Tips

If you are traveling with children, we recommend our article "Climbing via ferrata safely with children".

You can also find even more tips and safety information in the article "Family spots: Climbing via ferratas with children".