It’s not just a question of Hiking Time (8 to 10 hours) and the Difference in Altitude (1,500 metres): with the Seeben Via Ferrata/Iron Way and the Tajakante Via Ferrata/Iron Way, these two challenging routes will really put your nerves to the test and give your arm muscles a proper workout.
This day trip should only be undertaken in the very best weather conditions and with sufficient mountaineering and climbing experience. If the conditions are right, however, you’ll enjoy a fantastic day out in the Tirolean Zugspitz Arena.
Text and photos: Susa Schreiner
From the Valley station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn, we follow the Trail Markings to the Waterfall Circular Walk and the Seeben Via Ferrata/Iron Way. The path is gentle at first, then becomes slightly steeper as we make our way through a beautiful forest and alongside the babbling water towards the Seeben Waterfall – and thus to the start of the route. After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach the foot of the cliff and, standing a short distance from the rock face, put on your harness, helmet and Via Ferrata/Iron Way set.
The first section is graded ‘D’, meaning difficult. Anyone who’s already having significant difficulties here would be better off turning back. Otherwise, for the next hour and a half, it’s all about placing your feet precisely on the rock face, building up pressure and pulling yourself upwards with vigour. The via ferrata is very challenging, with a few short ‘E’ sections.
At the top, the landscape is a complete contrast: the steep rocks are a thing of the past; a magnificent alpine meadow with lush green pastures soothes the breath and calms the nerves, whilst cowbells add to the tranquillity. The Seebenalm would be tempting for a second breakfast – but it’s better to carry on. Of the 1,500 metres of altitude gain, we’ve only managed 250 so far.
From the Seebenalm, the route follows a wide forest track with a moderate gradient up to theSeebensee. The view is magnificent – especially when the mountain peaks are reflected in the sparkling green water and, further up, the Coburger Mountain Lodge/Hut comes into view.
We continue along what is effectively the lakeside promenade and turn left at the equipment hut towards the Tajakante Via Ferrata/Iron Way. The path becomes steeper and leads over scree to the foot of the cliff at 1,850 metres. Another break for food and drink won’t go amiss – for the next 600 metres of altitude, we’ll be climbing along the ridge towards the summit.
The route alternates between easy walking sections and steep ascents, including a exposed traverse. The views of the Seebensee and, later, the Drachensee near the Coburger Mountain Lodge/Hut make every effort and the burning in your arm muscles well worth it.
Anyone wishing to skip the summit because their strength is waning should follow the arrow marked ‘Emergency Exit’. Everyone else will reach the Vorderen Tajakopf (2,450 m) after a further 20 minutes.
From the summit or the emergency exit, the route heads south towards the Drachensee and the Coburger Mountain Lodge/Hut. The first hour of the descent is steep and demands your full concentration once again. After that, you’ll soon find yourself on soft alpine meadows, where the sheep greet you with a muffled ‘baa’. Now you’ll be tempted either by the Drachensee for a refreshing dip or by the hut’s terrace – or both. The descent via the Seebensee to the Alpine Pasture of the same name and on towards Ehrwald is easy, allowing you to reflect on the day as you stroll along.
Comfortable climbing shoes, like the ones the author wore, work very well on the many flat sections – and help keep your nerves at bay.
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