Ehrwald via ferrata in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

Two challenging via ferratas, one day of touring, 1500 meters of ascent and descent and around 8 hours of walking time - the Ehrwald via ferrata tour is a real highlight.

From the valley to the summit of the Voderen Tajakopf, without cable car support but with two magnificent via ferratas - this is a special challenge. Not only in terms of the walking time (8 to 10 hours) and the difference in altitude (1,500 meters), but also because the Seeben via ferrata and the Tajakante via ferrata are two demanding iron paths that will tickle your nerves and really pump up your arm muscles. The day tour should only be tackled in the best weather conditions and with sufficient mountain and climbing experience. However, if the conditions are right, you will experience fantastic views of two of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps and be overwhelmed by the happiness of the summit.

Stage 1: Seeben via ferrata

From the valley station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn cable car, we follow the signs to the circular waterfall trail and the Seeben via ferrata. Initially moderate, later a little steeper, the route leads through a beautiful forest and along the babbling water towards the Seeben waterfall and thus to the start of the via ferrata of the same name. After approx. 45 minutes, you reach the base of the wall and can put on your harness, helmet and via ferrata set at some distance from the rock.

The first section is graded "D", i.e. difficult. If you already have major problems here, you should turn back. Otherwise, for the next 1.5 hours, you need to place your feet precisely on the wall, build up pressure and pull yourself powerfully upwards. The climb is very athletic, with some short "E" passages, making it very demanding. The arm muscles are really challenged.

Once at the top, the landscape presents itself to the climber in complete contrast. The steep cliffs are practically history, but a wonderful alpine pasture with lush green meadows calms the breath and the somewhat agitated nerves. Cow bells do the rest. The Seebenalm would be tempting for a second breakfast - but you'd better keep going, you've only covered 250 meters of the 1500 meters of altitude.

Stage 2: from Seebensee to the Tajakante access point

From the Seebenalm, the route initially follows a wide forest path on a moderate incline to the Seebensee. The view is magnificent, especially when the mountain peaks are reflected in the sparkling green water and the Coburger Hütte comes into view further up. We continue along the lake promenade and turn left at the equipment hut towards the Tajakante via ferrata. The path becomes steeper and leads over gravel at an altitude of 1850 meters to the foot of the wall. Another food and drink break won't hurt, because the next 600 meters of altitude difference are always climbing along the edge towards the summit.

The passages change from walking terrain to steep upswings including an airy traverse. The views of the Seebensee and later also of the Drachensee at the Coburger Hütte reward every effort and sore arm muscles. Along the way, there are always good opportunities to marvel at the panorama and take photos for your loved ones at home. If you don't want to reach the summit because your strength is waning, follow the "emergency exit" arrow. After another 20 minutes, everyone else stands on the summit of the Vorderer Tajakopf (2,450 m) and enjoys the mountain panorama of the Zugspitze, Daniel, Sonnenspitze, Grünstein and many other striking peaks.

Stage 3: The long way back

From the summit or the emergency exit, head south to Drachensee and the Coburger Hütte. The first hour of the descent is steep and requires full concentration. Once you have mastered this passage, you will soon be standing on soft alpine meadows and the sheep will greet the climbers with a muffled "mow". Now either the Drachensee lake beckons for refreshment or the Coburger hut terrace - or both. The descent via the Seebensee lake to the alpine pasture of the same name and towards Ehrwald is easy, so you can take a leisurely stroll and reflect on the many experiences of the day.

Tip:

Comfortable climbing shoes, such as those worn by the author, worked very well on the many flat passages and calmed the nerves.