4 Awesome Via Ferrata Routes In Switzerland

4 AWESOME VIA FERRATA ROUTES IN SWITZERLAND

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the Via Ferrata routes I did in Switzerland as well as some photos and a link to the individual blog post I wrote about all of the Via Ferrata routes. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the Via Ferrata including maps, starting points, gera you need, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that particular Via Ferrata in Switzerland.  

There’s an awesome 3-DAY Via Ferrata Tour in Switzerland completely dedicated to via ferrata. It takes you on a new and challenging via ferrata each day and includes all accommodation, gear, food UIAGM Guides and transport throughout the trip. You can Click Here to check out the details of that tour.

DO YOU NEED EQUIPMENT FOR A VIA FERRATA

You can actually buy your own Via Ferrata gear for pretty cheap on sites like Amazon and then you don’t need to rent it at each Via Ferrata course. They usually cost about $20-40 USD to rent per day and can be bought for about $200 for a full kit such as this Petzl Via Ferrata Kit. 

MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

The Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald is one of the most epic adventures in Switzerland. Traverse ladders and steps on the edge of a cliff overlooking the stunning region of Lauterbrunnen, but don’t worry you are strapped in with a harness!

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

This is one of the most exhilarating hiking experiences you can have while based in the town of Interlaken. You will literally be hanging off the wall over a 500-meter drop-down into Lauterbrunnen Valley. Are you up for it?

I’ve added the instructions to get to the start of the Murren Via Ferrata below.

• From Interlaken, you will need to catch the train Lauterbrunnen
• Once in Lauterbrunnen take the Grutschalp cable car, which is right next to the train station. This will take you all the way up to Grutschalp station where you can switch onto the historic, Murren Railway.
• The Murren Railway is one of the most scenic rides in Switzerland with views of Eiger and the surrounding peaks along the journey.
• Once you arrive at the Murren Train Station turn left out of the station and walk for 10 minutes past Hotel Edelweiss and you will arrive at the sports chalet on your right and Intersport on your left for the hiring of the gear.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

BEST TRAVEL CAMERA FOR SWITZERLAND

The GoPro Hero11 is the BEST camera for traveling around Switzerland.

• Waterproof for rain, hiking, snow lake activities.
• Built-in stabilization for filming your travels and adventure activities
• 5.3K video and 27MP Photo to capture awesome memories of friends and family

Buy on Amazon

EPIC VIA FERRATA AT FÜRENALP IN ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

Hiking in Switzerland is an incredible experience with some of the most amazing mountain views and summits in the world. However, you can take it to the next level and actually get off the hiking trail and climb directly up the mountain face on a ladder. It’s called Via Ferrata and you are clipped into a wire so it’s totally safe but also an adrenaline rush as you scale hundreds of meters up the rock face.

The Via Ferrata in Fürenalp, Engelberg is known as one of the best routes in the country. It’s challenging but such an adventure!

• Hike Distance: The total hike distance was 6.54 kilometers, which includes the 1km walk from the shop/ticket office to the start of the Via Ferrata. Not sure how accurate that was considering the ups and downs but that is how my Garmin watch recorded the day.
• Hike Duration: Our total time from the shop to the wall to the summit was 4 hours and 12 minutes. Our total moving time was 2 hours and 17 minutes. We let a lot of other climbers pass us and went very slowly as always to take photos and just sit around and enjoy the views. It’s not the kind of activity to rush. It could be easily done from top to bottom in under two hours. You do need to catch the cable car down at the top or hike down, which adds a little extra time.
• Hike Difficulty: This route is rated K4 difficulty. I haven’t done too many Via Ferrata’s but I was told this is one of the more challenging ones out there. It was actually my first time ever and was a pretty simple concept of clicking in and out so don’t worry if you have little to no experience. We climbed 773 meters of an incline in total and a lot of it was ladders and metal pegs out of the wall.
• Hike Incline: The total incline for the day was 773m from the shop to Fürenalp. The hike starts in at the ticket shop/Fürenalp cable car office and finishes at an altitude of 1811m.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: EPIC VIA FERRATA AT FÜRENALP IN ENGELBERG

BEST INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERS

Don’t wait for an accident to happen… get insured! My travel insurance is HeyMondo which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. That’s me on the left with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali!

You can click to read my Full Review of the Best Travel Insurance.

I’ve made several successful claims with HeyMondo and find their customer service very quick and helpful. Click the button below to get a 5% DISCOUNT

Get a Free Quote

THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

The Rotstock Via Ferrata is an epic climb right next to the famous North Face Wall of Eiger. Using a harness, stairs, and metal stairs you can climb 400m of incline to the 360-degree panoramic viewpoint.

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

The total hike distance was 5km from the start of the Eiger Trail up to the summit and then back down to Eigergletscher Station.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

PINUT VIA FERRATA (KLETTERSTEIG) IN FLIMS

The Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) in Flims is an epic series of staircases and ladders on the edge of a cliff that winds up hundreds of meters above the valley. From the summit, you have incredible views of Crestasee, Caumasee, and the entire region of Flims.

The Pinut Via Ferrata is actually the oldest of its kind in all of Switzerland and was opened in 1907. For those who are nervous hearing about climbing a century-old ladder, fear not. This Via Ferrata is maintained by the tourism board and was fully renovated in 2007.

The first part of the Pinut Via Ferrata is, in my opinion, the most spectacular. There is a huge spire that you pass by on the boardwalks in between scaling the ladders up the cliffside. It is a really unique rock formation and by walking upon the cliffside you get a close-up inspection.

The route then continues up the wall and actually leads you inside some caves and small tunnels, all the while connected to the strong cable, which keeps you safe throughout the hike. From within the tunnels and caves, you can see out the gaps all the way down to Flims and the lakes.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PINUT VIA FERRATA (KLETTERSTEIG) IN FLIMS – EPIC CLIFFSIDE STAIRWAY

I hope you enjoyed that list of epic Via Ferrata routes in Switzerland. If there are any Via Ferrata routes in Switzerland that you think I need to check out on my next visit, please comment them below!

7 OTHER VIA FERRATA’S IN SWITZERLAND TO TRY

1. Via Ferrata Daubenhorn: Found in Leukerbad in the canton of Valais, this is one of the longest via ferratas in Switzerland. The route is challenging and is best suited for experienced climbers.
2. Evolène: Located in the Val d’Hérens in Valais, this via ferrata offers three different routes with varying difficulty levels.
3. Via Ferrata of Les Diablerets: This is a challenging route on the Glacier 3000 near the village of Les Diablerets.
4. Tälli Via Ferrata: Located near the Grimsel Pass, this route is challenging and not for the faint-hearted. It offers fantastic views of the Alps and the surrounding dams.
5. Saxeten: This via ferrata in the Bernese Oberland is suitable for beginners and families. It offers beautiful views and an enjoyable climb.
6. Rigidalstock: Located in Engelberg in central Switzerland, this route offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and the Titlis glacier.
7. Moléson: Found in the Fribourg Pre-Alps, this via ferrata gives climbers a panoramic view of the surrounding region. There are two routes with varying levels of difficulty.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE DOING A VIA FERRATA

1. Understand What Via Ferrata Is: Via ferrata, Italian for “iron path,” is a mountain route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors, such as wooden walkways and suspended bridges. It’s designed to be a bridge between hiking and rock climbing.
2. Equipment: Essential gear includes:
   • A via ferrata set (shock-absorbing lanyard with carabiners)
   • Helmet
   • Climbing harness
   • Sturdy footwear, preferably approach shoes or light mountaineering boots
   • Gloves, to protect your hands from the cables and provide a better grip
3. Physical Fitness: Ensure you are in good physical shape. While many via ferrata routes can be tackled by those with no climbing experience, they can be physically demanding.
4. No Vertigo: If you’re acrophobic (fear of heights), via ferrata might not be for you. Many routes traverse exposed cliffsides and vertical ascents.
5. Start Small: If you’re new to via ferrata, begin with a less challenging route and gradually progress to more difficult ones as you gain experience and confidence.
6. Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast. Rain can make the rock slippery, and thunderstorms can be extremely dangerous due to the metallic installations.
7. Safety First: Never unclip both carabiners from the cable at the same time when transitioning between sections. Always ensure at least one carabiner is attached to the safety cable.
8. Know the Grading System: Different countries might have variations, but generally, via ferrata routes are graded based on difficulty. Familiarize yourself with the grading system of the area you’re visiting.
9. Traffic Flow: Remember, you may not be the only one on the route. Allow faster climbers to pass, and don’t rush those ahead of you. Communication is key.
10. Guides: If you’re a beginner or if the route is particularly challenging, consider hiring a professional guide. They’ll ensure your safety, teach proper techniques, and enrich the experience with local knowledge.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!

Enjoy UNLIMITED train, boat, and bus rides in Switzerland for up to 15 days. Click to book a flex Swiss Travel Pass or choose the Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass.

The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.

Book Swiss Travel Pass