Spotlight

Via Ferratas

A via ferrata is somewhere in between hiking and rock climbing. Being more technical and exposed than hiking trails, they gently force you to ignore the breathtaking landscape around and instead focus on the path ahead. You notice every rock, every step, every landing. When did you last perceive a path down to its smallest detail? Here you are doing it in order to move forward. All along, the steel rope on your side is securing you, just in case. In contrast to a rock climbing wall, here you have enough grips and room to stand. We have compiled the most important basics on this page. When you are doing a via ferrata for the first time, we strongly advise to take an experienced human with you, just to be extra sure everybody is making it down safe and sound.

When did you last perceive a path down to its smallest detail? Here you are doing it in order to move forward.

Via Ferratas For You

Choose from our ready-to-go Collections with handpicked Tours and lots of handy information, created by passionate people like you.

Klettersteige in Österreich

Hiking Collection by komoot

Amazing views all around — via ferrata & hiking trails around Tyrol’s Lake Aachen

Hiking Collection by Achensee

Via Ferratas – on the paths of World War One

Hiking Collection by komoot

Super-Ferratas — from dawn till sunset

Hiking Collection by komoot

Via Ferratas for kids in Lower Austria and Styria

Hiking Collection by komoot

Difficulties

All via ferratas are ranked by difficulty and go from A (not hard) to E (extremely hard). This, however, is only valid for normal conditions (dry, good weather). Single sections can have varying difficulties. Make sure to do your research before you go, so you don’t end up in any hairy situations. If you are not sure how to rate your own skills, ask somebody who has experience. Don’t hesitate to choose the easier rating. Nothing is worth compromising your safety.

Hans

woowoowoo, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

If you are not sure how to rate your own skills, ask somebody who has experience in that and don’t hesitate to choose the easier rating. Wanting to prove something to you or others is never a good idea.

Archada, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Equipment

Bring these things along, no matter the difficulty of the via ferrata.

A love of heights
Surefootedness
Climbing harness
Via ferrata set, available to rent in many alpine sports shops or alpine clubs
Thin gloves, e.g. gardening gloves
Shoes with grip, e.g. approach shoes or light hiking shoes
Helmet
Drinking bottle
Energy bar for your immediate dose of sugar

Safety In The Mountains

Weather

Just like a hearty breakfast, checking the weather forecast is an important part of your daily mountain morning routine. At high altitudes, you may experience heat, rain, high winds and even snow — all in the same day. When packing, check the weather and take equipment for every possible outcome.

Dangers

Rough terrain, narrow and steep paths, falling rocks – all are risks when traversing the mountains and along the coast. Thorough preparation, suitable equipment and an honest evaluation of your own skills are key to staying safe. If you don’t have any experience in certain environments, it's best to bring someone who does.

Respect

Whether you are on a popular trail or off the beaten path, make sure to show respect toward other people and the environment. Beware of other people around – below steep slopes there are often other trails, so don't kick down any rocks. Always leave a place as you found it and show respect for your companions, people you meet and the environment.

Emergency Numbers

Research and keeo the phone number of the local mountain rescue on hand. Make sure you always have some battery left on your mobile device and be cognisant of where you are at all times so you can accurately communicate your location in case of an emergency.

Call 999 and ask to be put through to mountain rescue in case of an emergency. Mountain rescue Germany: 112
Mountain rescue Austria: 140
Mountain rescue Italy: 118