Twelve via ferratas, twelve distinct characters: the selection ranges from routes suitable for a family afternoon to tours that only experienced climbers with sound technique should attempt.
This list is based on our readers’ favourite via ferrata routes. We have ranked them by difficulty and cross-checked the details against the latest route descriptions. Some routes have easier and more difficult variants – the grades in the headings refer to the main route.
Always take with you: a via ferrata set, a helmet, via ferrata gloves, sturdy footwear and a rucksack with provisions.
Text: Katrin Oblasser
Steinwand (B/C), Arzl im Pitztal
The Steinwand via ferrata is situated at the entrance to the Pitztal valley and can be reached after an access of around 15 minutes. The main route through the shady north face is graded B/C, and there are two alternative routes – so climbers of different abilities and families can tackle the route together. The Adlerhorst viewing platform awaits at the top. Around 150 metres of elevation gain, about 45 minutes.
Marokka (B/C) and Himmel & Henne, Fieberbrunn
The quickest way to reach the Marokka via ferrata in the Steinberge is by taking the cable car up to the Lärchfilzkogel. The well-secured via ferrata, with its alpine character, leads over exposed sections and a swaying rope bridge to the summit of the Marokka, with around 130 metres of elevation gain. If you’re still up for it, you can tack on the Himmel & Henne via ferrata: it has a family-friendly route rated grade A and more challenging sections up to grade D.
Stuibenfall (C), Umhausen
A classic in the Ötztal: right at the start, the Stuibenfall via ferrata crosses the waterfall via a rope bridge and then leads along and through the rock faces beside the roaring water. Access time around 30 minutes, with an elevation gain of around 210 metres. Find out more in ‘5 family via ferratas with day-trip tips’.
Stopselzieher, Zugspitze
A rare combination: a relatively easy via ferrata in the high-alpine terrain of the Zugspitze in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena – finishing right at the summit at 2,962 metres. The starting point is the Wiener Neustädter Hütte. ‘Easy’ does not mean ‘harmless’ here: altitude and weather must be factored into your planning.
Galitzenklamm via ferrata (C), Lienz
Not to be confused with the family via ferrata next door: the Galitzenklamm via ferrata winds its way past thundering waterfalls through the gorge at the foot of the Rauchkofel; the second section features several grade C passages. It requires strength and stamina. Around 75 metres of elevation gain, approximately 40 minutes.
Hanauer via ferrata (up to C/D), Boden
A picture-perfect hut via ferrata: the Hanauer via ferrata offers several routes through the rocky outcrop on which the Hanauer Hütte stands – including a long rope bridge. The easy route ends right next to the hut; the more difficult one continues across via a path. The shortest access starts in Boden.
Lachenspitze North Face (C/D), Tannheimer Tal
Challenging and exposed: the Lachenspitze North Face via ferrata demands stamina and, above all, upper-body strength, rewarding climbers with a superb route and sweeping views down to the Lachesee. The access leads from Vilsalpsee or from the Neunerköpfle valley station via the Landsberger Hütte – a great place to stop for refreshments after the climb. Around 265 metres of elevation gain on the via ferrata.
Klamml (up to D), Wilder Kaiser
Short and sweet on the south face of the Wilder Kaiser: The Klamml via ferrata between the Gaudeamushütte and the Gruttenhütte consists of a lower section (B/C) and an upper section (D), linked by a spectacular two-rope bridge. There is an option to exit after the lower section. Access from the Wochenbrunner Alm.
Kaiser-Max via ferrata (D/E), Zirl
One of Austria’s first via ferratas dedicated solely to sport climbing: The Kaiser-Max via ferrata on the Martinswand in the Innsbruck region features a second section comprising around 100 metres of almost vertical slab climbing with few footholds. Only experienced climbers with sound technique should attempt this section; climbing shoes are advisable. Anyone who runs out of courage or strength after the first section can traverse over to the Maximiliansgrotte and descend easily. Around 300 metres of elevation gain, approximately 2.5 hours.
Dalfazer Wasserfall (D/E), Maurach
Short, but anything but harmless: the Dalfazer Wasserfall via ferrata in the Rofan range runs close to the valley alongside the waterfall in Maurach on Lake Achensee. The highlight is the view down from the edge of the waterfall. The start is behind the Familienresort Buchau via hiking trail no. 413; the via ferrata covers an elevation gain of around 150 metres. It ends at the hiking trail to the Dalfaz Alm – ideal for a refreshment stop afterwards.
Anton-Renk via ferrata (D/E), Fendels
A sport via ferrata in high alpine terrain for true specialists – with no bypass and no emergency exit: the Anton-Renk via ferrata in the Tiroler Oberland climbs alongside the Anton-Renk waterfall and includes two overhanging sections. The strenuous overhang near the top in particular is often underestimated. Thanks to its north-facing aspect, it usually stays cool even in midsummer; the lower section can be wet from the spray, and in spring there is a risk of falling ice. The approach from the Sattelklause top station (lift from Fendels) takes around 2 hours; the route itself covers 160 metres of elevation gain and takes about 1.5 hours.
Dopamin via ferrata (up to E), Lienz
Steep wall and slab climbing with frequent D and E sections: the Dopamin via ferrata starts at the entrance to the Galitzenklamm gorge, and two rope bridges add variety. The highlight is the “Götterquergang” traverse with a view of all three waterfalls in the gorge. If you still have something left in the tank, take the overhanging extreme variant “Der Masochist” (E). Around 150 metres of elevation gain; the descent follows an easier via ferrata (A/B with a few C sections). Important: the route is only accessible during the opening hours of the Galitzenklamm, and via ferrata sets can be hired at the ticket desk.
Tips & Safety
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