Sure, the journey is the destination. But when the summit is the goal, the path is all the more beautiful. Especially if you reach it via a via ferrata: you can't get much closer to the mountain!
We therefore present five great iron trails, all of which end at a summit cross, so that the "having achieved something" feeling really comes into its own. And the well-earned snack still tastes best with a 360-degree view.
1. 5-summit via ferrata, Rofan
The 5-summit via ferrata in the Rofan combines a sporting challenge with a mountain experience, photo: Christina Schwann
We get off to a flying start: not just one, but no less than five peaks are crossed on this via ferrata adventure high above Lake Achensee. Okay, actually there are five via ferratas, which are connected by walking passages. So you don't have to do all five, you can choose a few less if you prefer a more leisurely pace. But they all lead over one summit: Haidachstellwand (B/C, 120 m, 1 h), Rosskopf (C/D, 150 m, 1.5 h), Seekarlspitze (D, 70 m, 1⁄2 h), Spieljoch (C, 85 m, 1⁄2 h), Hochiss (C/D, 110 m, 50 min). To the summit, get set, go!
Topo & approach: 5-summit via ferrata, Rofan
2nd Steinsee via ferrata (B/C), Lechtal Alps
The Steinseehütte in the Tirol West vacation region: perfect base camp for the Steinsee via ferrata, photo: Simon Schöpf
This untouched nature is fantastic: few mountain regions are as sparsely developed as the Lechtal Alps. The Steinsee via ferrata is a welcome exception to this rule, with a moderately difficult climb up to the Steinkarspitze (2,650 m). If you tackle the via ferrata from the valley, you have a long and full day ahead of you. We recommend spending the night at the rustic Steinseehütte hut to make the approach much more pleasant. And after the via ferrata: dive into the idyllic Steinsee lake, at least with your toes!
Topo & approach: Steinsee via ferrata (B/C), Lechtal Alps
3rd Tirolerweg (D), Nauders
The Tirolerweg via ferrata in Nauders.
A classic in the primary rock and partly wonderful along the ridge. It also offers the best views and views down to Lake Reschen and the Goldsee lakes - and of course King Ortler!
However, the north-facing location, the sometimes faint markings, the descents requiring concentration and the tight schedule of the cable cars (first ride at 9:00, last descent at 16:00) make this via ferrata classic a serious undertaking. Alpine experience, surefootedness and fitness are required!
Topo & approach: Via ferrata Tirolerweg (D), Nauders
4th Kaiserschützensteig (B/C), Wilder Kaiser
Right at the top: At the summit of Ellmauer Halt in the Wilder Kaiser, photo: TVB Wilder Kaiser
A climb with a furious finale: the Kaiserschützensteig trail leads up to the Ellmauer Halt (2,344 m), the highest point in the Wilder Kaiser, which is not short of elevations. The panoramic view of the peaks and summits of the "Koasa" is ingenious. The Kaiserschützensteig is also known as the "3-summit crossing", as the Kleine Halt and the Gamshalt can also be climbed along the way. Even if the climbing difficulties are moderate, the length of the trail makes it a challenging undertaking. Sure-footedness and alpine experience are essential here!
Ideal for the descent towards the Gruttenhütte: the Gamsängersteig in the Wilder Kaiser, photo: Simon Schöpf
Topo & approach: Kaiserschützensteig (B/C), Wilder Kaiser
5th Naked Dog (C/D), Loferer Steinberge
Arrived at the summit: fantastic view of the Loferer and Leoganger Steinberge, photo: Climbers Paradise
You don't have to tackle it naked: The "Nackter Hund" via ferrata leads to one of the highest peaks in the Loferer Steinberge, the Mitterhorn (2,506 m). However, it is named after a peak that is not climbed, but only touched: the neighboring "Nackter Hund" (2,373 m). The Iron Trail runs right along the Tyrol/Salzburg border, and if you don't want to cover 1,500 meters of altitude in one day, including the ascent, we recommend an overnight stay in the charming Schmidt-Zabierow-Hütte.
Topo & approach: Via ferrata Nackter Hund (C/D), Loferer Steinberge
