Two great via ferratas and a fantastic lake

In the Kaiserwinkel climbing arena in Kufsteinerland, the "Ottenalm Direttissima" and "Bergkameradensteig" are two challenging via ferrata routes that include a summit experience, but without strenuous ascents and descents, leaving enough time for a swim in Lake Walchsee.

Let's talk about dreams, for example in the form of sporty and challenging via ferratas, ideally close to the lake, with hardly any ascent but still offering summit flair and easy descents. Sounds like utopia? Not so in the Kaiserwinkel climbing arena - here, both the climbs and the ascents and descents are suitable and if you want, you can crown your day of touring with a brilliant dip in the nearby Walchsee. But first things first:

By bike to the climb

From the village of Walchsee or from the parking lot at the sports field in Walchsee, a wide forest road leads up a pleasant incline towards the Kaiserwinkel climbing arena. At a leisurely pace, you pass the Riederalm, where curious goats look after you on their pasture. We continue towards the Ottenalm - the starting point for the via ferrata tours. After a good hour, it's time to park the bikes and swap cycling helmets for climbing helmets. If you want, you can also put on your harness and via ferrata set here. The approach to the base of the wall is completed in just a few minutes - it's up to you which of the two routes to start with. The author started with the Ottenalm Direttissima, true to the motto, what you have, you have, and the Direttissima has it all ...

Steep, steeper, Ottenalm Direttissima (difficulty: D/E)

The "Ottenalm Direttissima" is just 180 meters long, but you have to climb 130 meters in altitude - including two short overhanging and some vertical passages. And because that's not enough, the makers of the climb have dispensed with stirrups - by now at the latest it should be clear: The climb is challenging and definitely not suitable for children and beginners. Climbing skills also pay off, as does wearing comfortable climbing shoes. But if you have experience, arm strength, stamina and a good footing, you will have a lot of fun!

Depending on your athletic ambition, you can reach the summit in 45 minutes, complete with seating and panoramic views. The descent is via a very well-maintained path with a sign pointing to the Glocknerblick. Depending on visibility and weather, you can actually see the eternal ice of the Glockner summit sparkling. After 20 minutes, you are back at the Ottenalm - stop for a bite to eat? Later, better try out the "Bergkameradensteig" first ...

Bergkameradensteig: You have to cross two rope bridges (difficulty: D/E)

At the Ottenalm, we take the same approach to the base of the 1,117-metre-high Harauer Spitze and this time head to the start of the "Bergkameradensteig". This is not an easy via ferrata either, but there are integrated footholds, which makes it easier to move on at one point or another. Particularly exciting: the crossing of the two rope bridges, one of which also bears the characteristic name "Schluchtenscheißerl". A total of 310 meters and 170 vertical meters are overcome, two passages are slightly overhanging, which really gets the arm muscles pumping.

Depending on how busy the trail is and your own level of fitness, you will be back at the summit ridge of the Harauer Spitze in a good one to 1.5 hours. The view of the natural landmark "Hochmoor Schwemm" makes up for the effort - as does the knowledge that you can take a seat on the sun terrace of the Ottenalm in a good 20 minutes, with cool drinks, thick dumplings and music played by the landlord himself, which, by the way, already gets you going on the via ferrata, lets you put your feet up and bounce on the rope bridge. The via ferrata is not suitable for beginners or small children. Climbing experience is an absolute advantage, as is a head for heights, as this is the only way to really enjoy the fantastic view from the rope bridges.

After an extensive refreshment stop, you cycle directly to Walchsee - in a good 45 minutes you can swap your cycling helmet for a swimming cap, float in the water of Walchsee and enjoy the stunning view of the rock faces of the Zahmer Kaiser.