Via Ferrata Gantrisch, Gantrisch Park, Gurnigel, Bern

Features

This via ferrata is equipped with rungs and stakes/nails. Not always very nice.

No escape routes. If you start, you finish!

ViaFerrata Tips and Tricks

It's possible to rent equipment from the Gurnigel hut.

This region is full of hikers. Leave early if you want peace.

Grade

Information

Office du Tourisme du Lac Noir

Length and Altitude

Start:

End: 2'175 m.

Altitude gain: 340 m.

GPS Coordinates

46.706079158789045,
7.455211373948051

Time of Year

From mid-June to end of October (snow)

Horaire

Approach: 45 min
Via Ferrata: 2h
Way back: 45 min
Total: 3h30 - 4h

By Car

It's a bit of a mess to get to this via ferrata but the car seems to be the most reliable option.

Go to the Wasserscheide parking

By Train

Contact the SBB.

Access

Look for the via ferrata via the trail that leads to the Leiterepass. You will get to the base of the cliff and from here you can see the via ferrata scrambling up the wall.

Via Ferrata

This via ferrata goes up rather steeply and you will discover some sections that are  fairly demanding for your arms. But it's doable and the void envelops you. From the top you can see the starting point, imagine the presence of the void!

The climb to the top of the Gantrisch ends with several grassy sections.

Way Back

You can go towards the Leiterpass on the alpine (as it is designated) trail.

Where to Spend the Night

Check with the Tourism Office.

Via Ferrata Eggstock, Braunwald Gunen, Glaris

Features

In 3 parts. Backdrop of pristine alpine scenery. A rather impressive section on a ridge.

Action-packed and includes a long footbridge. Lots of fun.

ViaFerrata Tips and  Tricks

Only do it if the weather is stable. Do not go if thunderstorms are in the forecast!

The last part is really hard and includes a very strenuous overhanging section.

Check with the Tourism Office to see if the funicular is open.

Grade

Information

Tourisme Office of Braunwald

Length and Altitude

Altitude gain : 410 à 700 m.
Start : 1901 m Bumen
End : 2'449 m  Hinter Eggstock
 

Time of Year

June to October. Check with the Tourism Office for opening.

Timing

Part 1: 2h45  Leiteregg
Part 2: 4h30 Mittler Effstock
Part 3: 5h30 Hinter Eggstock

By Car

The city of Braunwald is a resort town without cars. You can get to it from Linthal.

By Train

To Braunwald. The automobile-free resort city of Braunwald is accessible with a funicular that leaves from Linthal (direct trains from Zurich)

Train and bus: schedule and price.

Access

You get to Braunwald (1256m) from Linthal deep in the canton of Glaris- from Zurich via the Ziegelbrücke- with the funicular.

Then a lift/cablecar to Gumen.

From the Gumen Berggasthaus (1901 m; information signpost) take the marked trail and cut across on the steep side to where the paragliders take off at the Gumengrat and then go to the left of the entrance fence, and then up some rocky steps (2120m).

Via Ferrata

Part 1

You go past the stacked ledges of the Leiteregg and then the climb gets steeper and steeper until you reach the summit. You pass through a short chimney where there are stakes instead of steps.

You keep going to the left down a deep crevasse and then abruptly come to a set of rungs that go towards a dihedral under an overhang. You arrive at a platform and vertical wall.

Next a short downhill towards the Vorder Eggstock where you will come to a junction. On your way down, go under the rocks on the grassy slope to your left (be careful not to make any rocks fall as the climbing crag is right beneath you)

Two ladders get you to the base of the rock wall. To your left, the way back to the starting point.

Part 2

Go diagonally to your right at the junction, the way up will get steeper and steeper until you reach a rocky shoulder. Keep going until you reach an almost vertical ladder, its help will grant you access to a horizontal ledge.

From here, go up a steep and tiring chimney to your left (metal pitons) in order to get to the easier terrain. A last push gets you to the summit of the Vorder Eckstock (2449m).

On the other side of the north face of the ridge you go down towards the "Charlotte Bridge", a 16 meter footbridge, spectacular but presenting no challenges, that crosses over a gap. Next you keep going via the rocks on the south side, then as you near the summit cables secure you all the way to the all-lawn summit of the Mittler Eggstock (2420 m).

A brief descent to the next junction (go right towards the Hinter Eggstock), then (careful: don't make any rocks slip!) to finish, we attack a very steep downhill with the help of a slightly shaky (but sturdy) rope ladder that goes down over an overhang.

By way of the scree go back to the hiking trail that leads from Gumen to Bützi and on the left to the lifts.

Part 3

From the junction, go down slightly into the gap (2358m) under the Mittler Eggstock before the Hinter Eggstock, then go left on the rock face and it will climb more and more steeply.

The strategic point is slightly overhanging and very demanding. Finally, you'll have no problem reaching the end of the route atop the Hinter Eggstock (2445 m).

Way Back

Follow the white-blue-white markings through the flowered meadows of the Ober Boden, you'll go down tranquilly to Bützi where you will find yourself on a hiking trail.

Go left on this trail and go down by way of a terrace. Get back to the resort with the Gumen lifts.

Where to Sleep

Check with the Tourism Office.

Via Ferrata Gabi, Simplon, Valais

Features

Really nice and quite vertiginous. In contrast to the Swiss German via ferratas which have stakes, this one has real steps like the ones in France or French-speaking Switzerland that we know so well. It's more enjoyable and safer.

ViaFerrata Tips and Tricks

The weather in this area doesn't have the best reputation. So check before you leave, one never knows. Take a waterproof jacket and an extra layer. You will be at altitude.

Grade

Information

Tourism Office in Simplon

Length & Altitudes

Start :  1'200 meters
Finish :  1'450 meters
Length :  700 meters
Elevation gain :  250 meters

GPS Coordinates

46.184645 / 8.073434

Time of Year

From April to October/November depending on snow

Timing

Access: 5 min
ViaFerrata : 1h30
Way Back : 30 min

By Car

From Brig, you go over the Simplon pass and then go down the Italian side. At Gabi, you will find the start.

By Train

From Brig, take the bus towards Simplon/Gondo (the border with Italy). Ask the driver to let you off a little before Gondo at Gabi.

Access

A stone's throw away from the cantonal road.

Via Ferrata 

The Via ferrata is very well equipped and you will not have to touch the rock at all.

It all starts off with a small hanging bridge (optional) over the river, and then the route snakes pleasantly on the rock face. There is an overhanging view on the Simplon road and from the upper section it is even quite impressive. After the horizontal ledge there is an escape route and you can find a second one before the last vertical wall.

Nonetheless, the via ferrata is never very difficult and it is very well equipped.

Way Back

30 minutes to get back down to the parking lot.

Where to Spend the Night

We have tried two options:

L'Hôtel de la Poste in the Simplon Village

and in Gondo the Stockalper Turm.  Also dormitory style. Very beautiful and the meals are delicious (April 2015).

The Simplon Hospice, with its famous génépi (an herbal liqueur, drink it without moderation AFTER the via), is also available.

Photos

Via Ferrata du Lavanchy, Pont de Nant, Plan sur Bex, Vaud

 
topo  http://www.klettersteig.de

Features

Like a 100 meter sprint. Intense, athletic and short. It's difficult to give it a precise grade.

Hidden in the forest.

ViaFerrata Tips and Tricks

Take a GPS with you because to find it you need to get up early. Look carefully at the instructions to find it because it is hidden.

It appears on the new 25,000 Swiss topographic maps.

Grade

Information

Office du Tourisme de Villars-Gryon

Length & Altitudes

Start altitude: 1'499 m
End of the via: 1'574 m
Via elevation gain: 75 m
Length: 200 m
Exposure: Southeast

GPS Coordinates

46.15.473
0.07.309

Time of Year

When there is no snow left. April-November.

Timing

Via ferrata approach: 25 min
Via Ferrata: 15 min
Way Back: 30 min

By Car

12.5 km from Bex.

Go towards "Les Plans." It's quite a climb. When you get to Les Plans, go to your right towards Pont de Nant. You'll follow a small rural road in the forest. After 2.5km you come to a clearing with a parking lot and some restaurants.

Park your car in the first parking lot.

By Train

You can take the train all the way to Bex. Then you can take a bus to Les Plans. The bus will drop you off at Les Plans and from here you should follow the river to go up to Pont de Nant.

(contact the SBB for train and bus schedules).

Access

You'll find some pictures in the album below.

From the parking lot, go up the stone road (it is suitable for motor vehicles). Stay on this road even if there are other trails that look nice. After 2km you go over a bridge (iron fence). After several fairly tight turns and when you arrive to an almost flat area, you will find a trail on your left. (see picture). If you come out of the forest, you've gone too far.

Walk 50 meters and you will find a special tree (see picture) on a tree. The via is located 30 meters higher towards the cliff.

Via Ferrata 

The via ferrata starts off with a climb which has a slight overhang. And of course you have to unclip and reclip your lanyards in the middle of the overhang. You then head right for a traverse that includes a new incline which is pretty tough on the arms. Your feet will find holds on the rock.

Another left turn to attack the second ledge. Here, the void will take you by the throat. It's not very high, but fairly vertiginous and you have to look down to place your feet. After another move that relies on your arms you change directions and are ready to attack the last climb towards a tree.

That's it. You've reached the end. Short and intense, but short.

Way Back

At the exit, continue towards the valley (Pont de Nant). Follow a fairly intuitive trail along the cliff. However, to attack the downhill at the end of the cliff, it's each man for himself until you reach a small house down below. From there you meet back up with the trail. You'll be back in 30 min.

Where to Sleep

The Pont de Nant Inn, near the parking lot: You have the option of sleeping in a dormitory.
Take 100.-- Frs with you to cover the costs of half-board (one adult, one child 4-12 years old).

Media

List of the Via Ferrata in Switzerland

- Look at the Swiss Via Ferrata Map.
 

Warning

Via Ferrata (read before you select a via ferrata)

The information provided in this website may be not accurate. It is up to you to select a via you would like to climb. More information can be collected to the Tourism Office or the Mountain Guide Office.

ViaFerrata.com and ViaFerrata Sarl is not responsible in case of wrong information or comments. They are only provided as indication.

Via Ferrata in Europe

Switzerland  Via Ferrata Map Switzerland	France Via Ferrata Map France	Italy
England (coming summer 2016)	Austria (coming 2017)

Via Ferrata Saillon: Deadly Accident

On Sunday, July 2, 2017 à 17h30, a deadly accident happened at the Via Ferrata de La Farinetta in the Gorges de la Salentze in Saillon, Switzerland.

An Austrian via ferratiste from 37 years old, living in the Canton Vaud, lost his life in the third and last part of the via ferrata. He was the last one of a group of six climbers and lost his feet and felt for a reason to be determined.

The climber felt into the Salenste Gorges annonced the Police from the Canton of Valais.