Arrive, breathe a sigh of relief, descend - that's how you could sum up a climbing vacation in the Tannheimer Tal in three words. The tourism here is gentle, the panorama impressive and the climbing extremely varied: alpine climbing, sport climbing, bouldering, via ferrata - all types of climbing are available for young and old.
Summer recreationis a top priority in the self-proclaimed "most beautiful high valley in Europe". And that applies equally to two- and four-legged friends. While the two-legged mountain guests recharge their batteries while climbing and hiking and breathe in the fresh air, the four-legged summer guests - who come from Swabia and Tyrol - enjoy the aromatic summer herbs on the high alpine pastures. The Tannheimer Tal is not a classic transit valley, everything is a little more leisurely here. Tourism is gentler, the mountain railroads are not oversized. The valley exudes a relaxed tranquillity - which may also be due to the fact that the valley floor is wide and the alpine meadows rise moderately. At the top, beautiful peaks crown the landscape: in the north-east, the rugged climbing mountains Schartschrofen, Rote Flüh, Gimpel and Kellenspitze are lined up next to each other. To the south, the Tannheimer Tal is framed by the Vilsalpsee mountains such as Gaishorn, Rauhhorn, Kugelhorn, Bschießer and Krinnenspitze. To the north-west, Einstein, Brentenjoch and Aggenstein watch over the valley, locals and guests.
Climbing can look back on a long tradition in "Tannheim", as the locals affectionately call it: the first routes were opened on the up to 200-metre-high south faces of the mountain peaks as early as the turn of the century. Many of these have since been renovated, but even today you can still find some routes with a "genuine" alpine character. Overall, the Tannheimer Tal is widely known for its many impressive multi-pitch areas: Hochwiesler, Gimpel and Rote Flüh are the parade climbing peaks par excellence and a MUST for die-hard alpine climbers. Those who feel at home base climbing instead will also find some very rewarding climbing gardens in the Tannheimer Tal, such as the "Kanzel" climbing area on the Neunerköpfle. The valley's portfolio also includes via ferratas and a forest ropes course for kids. Also worth mentioning: the network of hiking trails. There are three levels of hiking from easy to alpine - and the Tannheimer Tal was named Austria's most beautiful hiking region.
The "Kanzel" climbing area - the silence is only interrupted by the odd cowbell, photo: TVB Tannheimer Tal, Michael Gabl
"Kanzel" climbing area: great panorama, relaxing cowbell jazz
A worthwhile destination for fans of the finest limestone climbing: the "Kanzel" climbing garden. The climbing area is located at an altitude of around 1,500 meters and is easily accessible with the Neunerköpfle cable car. It is just a 10-minute walk from the mountain station, more downhill than uphill. The rock structure promises interesting and varied climbing days. The panorama will make your soul smile and the altitude means that you can enjoy unadulterated climbing fun even on hot summer days. While the left-hand sector is a little steep, the right-hand section offers a wide, beautiful forest floor where you can stand comfortably or take a long break to stretch your feet. The rock quality also changes between the sectors with a total of 22 routes between 5b and 7b.
Climbing via ferratas in the Tannheim "Dolomites"
Want to climb the exposed Rote Flüh, but not via alpine climbing routes, but in a different way? Then the Friedberg via ferrata is a worthwhile alternative. Incidentally, the mountain gets its name from the layers of red limestone, which shimmer with a striking reddish glow at sunset - very romantic. The via ferrata is more breathtaking because of its many magnificent views. During the climb, you don't notice much of the world around you, but during the breaks, the view over the mountain panorama is simply breathtaking. The difficulty of the via ferrata is rated C, i.e. moderately difficult. The pure climbing time is approx. 1.5 hours, with ascent and descent it is a beautiful all-day tour with worthwhile refreshment stops such as the Tannheimer Hütte and the Gimpelhaus. Although the climb is not particularly long, there are some short, very steep passages to conquer. The risk of falling rocks should also not be underestimated. In this respect, it is suitable for older children who have the necessary surefootedness and technique.
If you want something a little more challenging and feel comfortable on cool north faces on hot summer days, you should consider the Lachenspitze north face via ferrata. The iron path is classified as difficulty level D and is considered significantly more difficult than the Hindelang or Mindelheim via ferrata, for example. If you have alpine experience, are sure-footed and have good arm strength as well as a head for heights, you will experience an absolute dream via ferrata tour here. On the descent, be sure to stop off at the Landsberger Hütte - it's well worth it.
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The via ferratas in the Tannheimer Tal offer fantastic views, Photos: TVB Tannheimer Tal
An overview of all climbing and via ferrata options can of course be found on Climbers Paradise - Tannheimer Tal.
After-climb and culinary delights
The number of huts and, above all, the good cuisine speaks for the Tannheimer Tal, because relaxation from everyday life also leads through the stomach. It is also nice that there are practically always attractive places to stop for refreshments in the immediate vicinity of climbing gardens and via ferratas. Tip: If you have been to the "Kanzel" climbing garden, you should stop off at the Gundhütte: The apple strudel, bathed in vanilla sauce, is a poem and is almost kitschily accompanied by the panoramic view from the sun terrace.
Everything except climbing
The program is extensive: hiking (on three levels), road biking, mountain biking, trail running, swimming, fishing as well as yoga and wellness. By the way: the Tannheimer Tal is home to top wellness hotels that are among the best in all of Austria. A total of 14 (!) four-star hotels ensure a high wellness density, which can also be used as day spas. A visit to the forest ropes course is definitely a highlight for the kids. Also interesting: on the Neunerköpfle, where the "Kanzel" climbing garden is located, there are exciting stations along the hiking trail that provide information about flora and fauna in a fun way. Cowbells in all sizes invite you to make music, including a music book, which can be used to play the "Bird Wedding", for example. The people of Tannheim also love their four-legged summer visitors and present some particularly pretty specimens with pictures. Bathing fun can be experienced in summer at Haldensee and Plansee. The water color of the two lakes alone is reminiscent of the Caribbean - a vacation feeling is guaranteed here.
Another great experience for captains of all ages: a trip on one of Austria's highest shipping lines. The liners offer round trips on the Plansee lake from May into the fall and also head for the slightly higher Heiterwanger See lake via the canal. Stand-up boards are a sportier way to get across the water.
The people of Tannheim love their four-legged summer visitors, photo: Susa Schreiner
The forest ropes course is a great experience, photo: TVB Tannheimer Tal
Stay overnight
From luxury spa resorts to guesthouses, farms and campsites - the Tannheimer Tal offers the right accommodation
