The water rushes, the carabiner clicks, the heart leaps. Climbing at the Stuibenfall in Ötztal is particularly enjoyable in midsummer, as the fine mist in the air always provides a cooling effect.
Extraordinary via ferrata constructed directly above and around Tyrol's largest waterfall, the 159-metre-high Stuibenfall. A varied route with rope bridges, climbing sections in the forest, a viewing platform, an intersection and a key section on outward-pushing rock that requires strength and courage. Shortly before this is a traverse with difficulty level C, the rest is somewhat less demanding. Lots of footholds for children aged 10 and over (min. 1.40 meters) and beginners as well as an easy variation at the end. However, previous experience is necessary.
SAFETY ON THE VIA FERRATA
The Austrian Alpine Club has formulated 10 recommendations for using via ferratas to increase safety:
Helmet, climbing harness with via ferrata set, via ferrata gloves, and suitable footwear.
Due to trail maintenance work involving helicopter transport, the hiking trail to STUIBENFALL from Umhausen starting at the Waldcafé Stuböbele and from Niederthai starting at the Holzbrücke entrance, as well as the Stuibenfall via ferrata, will be closed on Wednesday, 17.09.2025 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm!
The via ferrata in Umhausen-Niederthai with 450m climbing length requires sure-footedness and a head for heights. The via ferrata leads the first part along the rock face of Umhausen to a small rest area below a rock overhang. After the “rest area,” you climb directly on the left side of the Stuibenfall up to the exit. Here, daredevils have the opportunity to cross the “Stuiben” on a wire rope. You see the 159m high waterfall from a different perspective. The easier variant leads on the left side to the exit.
Climbing length and time required
300 meters of elevation gain and 450m climbing length. Approx. 3 hours, with descent about 3.5 - 4 hours.
Requirements for the via ferrata:
More details about the via ferrata / www.climbers-paradise.com
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, you can conveniently and quickly travel through the entire valley to your desired destination by public bus or local taxi companies!
The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
In Umhausen, the following parking options are available:
- Bischofsplatz parking lot; subject to fees