The best via ferratas in Tirol

Mountaineering usually has one or more peaks as its goal, although climbing equipment may also be used. In contrast, the via ferrata focuses on the climbing experience. A via ferrata in Tyrol may or may not lead to a mountain peak. It can be defined as a secured climb with wire ropes and footholds. Self-belaying with a via ferrata set, which includes a climbing harness, a shock absorber, at least two rope sling branches with carabiners and a helmet, is the be-all and end-all.

If you fancy a via ferrata adventure, you should first check whether the via ferrata in question is open in Tyrol. In winter, many via ferratas are not accessible simply because of the snow. And before you set off, you should hire or buy a via ferrata set and a helmet and familiarise yourself with them.

The difficulty of a via ferrata in Tyrol is categorised in grades A to E using the so-called Schall scale.

A means "easy" and is equivalent to a hike with a few exposed and rope-secured sections.

B stands for "moderately difficult"; the terrain becomes steeper, requiring dexterity and arm strength.

C means "difficult", often steep or vertical passages, a lot of strength required, often not suitable for beginners and children.

D is "very difficult". The distances between brackets or footholds, if present, can be very large. Only for trained, persistent and strong climbing fans.

E means "extremely difficult"; leads along smooth, vertical and heavily overhanging rock. Requires extreme strength and additional protection.

There are a number of easy to moderately difficult via ferratas in Tyrol for beginners and families with children. We recommend, for example, the adventure via ferrata in the Pitztal Glacier climbing park and the relatively short waterfall via ferrata at the Muttekopfhütte above Imst.

Absolute classics among the difficult via ferratas in Tyrol are the rather long Innsbruck via ferrata on the Nordkette in the Karwendel, the equally very long Arlberg via ferrata in the Lechtal Alps and the Kaiserschützensteig in the Wilder Kaiser, which is rated moderately difficult at B/C, but is still very challenging.