Via ferrata climbing continues to boom. More and more people want to experience vertical hiking. Climbing through a wall, secured to a fixed steel cable and following artificial holds and footholds, has a certain fascination. More and more families are also following the trend. With the right equipment and technique, via ferratas can be climbed with children.
Caution when climbing via ferratas with children
Give children time on exposed sections
Via ferratas are not built for children, i.e. the distance between the steps, handholds and the steel cable is often not suitable for children. This means that a via ferrata is often considerably more difficult for children than for adults. Via ferrata sets are not designed for children. If a child falls into a set, the impact force is considerably higher than for an adult due to the child's lower weight. This can be life-threatening. The correct technique and equipment for safely climbing a via ferrata with children must be mastered. A state-certified mountain and ski guide is the right contact person for this.
Family-friendly via ferratas in Tyrol
The following via ferratas have proven to be safe for the whole family due to their requirements and difficulty.
With the right via ferrata, it's fun for the kids too
Important note:
We recommend that inexperienced families who have never been on a via ferrata with children go with a state-certified mountain and ski guide.
Imst vacation region: Muttekopfhütte, waterfall via ferrata
The waterfall via ferrata in the Imst vacation region is a short, modern via ferrata near the Muttekopfhütte. Suitable for beginners and families, although the step distances are often a little wide for children.
Innsbruck: Geierwally practice via ferrata
At the start of the well-known Innsbruck via ferrata is the newly created Geierwally practice via ferrata. A short via ferrata with two different variants that lead to a small summit cross. Very suitable for beginners and children.
Achensee: 5-summit via ferrata, Haidachstellwand
Via ferrata at the Haidachstellwand
For families who have already climbed via ferratas with children and have appropriate via ferrata and alpine experience, the 5-summit via f errata over the Haidachstellwand on Achensee offers a unique summit experience. The Rofan cable car takes you comfortably up to the Erfurter Hütte. From there, it takes a good 1.5 hours to get to the start. Depending on experience and conditions, you need to plan 2 to 3 hours for the via ferrata before you reach the summit. But it doesn't end there. The descent has another wire rope passage. The climb is also partly exposed over rocks. Alpine experience, good physical condition and safe weather are essential. You should allow approx. 5-6 hours for the entire via ferrata, including the ascent and descent to the mountain station. The times given are only an approximate guide and can vary greatly depending on conditions, fitness, ability, etc.
