The most beautiful Via Ferrata/Iron Ways in Tirol

Mountaineering usually has one or more summits as its Finishing Point, and climbing equipment may also be used. In contrast, the focus on a Via Ferrata/Iron Way is on the climbing experience itself. A Via Ferrata/Iron Way in Tirol may, but does not necessarily, lead to a mountain summit. It can be defined as a secured route with wire ropes and steps. Self-belaying using a via ferrata set – which includes a climbing harness, a fall arrest device, at least two slings with carabiners and a helmet – is absolutely essential.

If you fancy a Via Ferrata/Iron Way adventure, you should first check whether the Via Ferrata/Iron Way in Tirol is open. In winter, many Via Ferrata/Iron Ways are impassable simply because of the snow. And before setting off, you should hire or buy a Via Ferrata/Iron Way set and a helmet, and familiarise yourself with them.

The difficulty of a Via Ferrata/Iron Way in Tirol is classified using the so-called Schall scale, ranging from grade A to E. 

A means ‘Easy’ and is equivalent to a walk with a few exposed sections secured by ropes. 

B stands for ‘moderately difficult’; the terrain becomes steeper, and dexterity and arm strength are required. 

C means ‘difficult’, often involving steep or vertical sections; considerable strength is required, and it is frequently unsuitable for Beginners and children. 

D is ‘very difficult’. The distances between bolts or footholds, where present, can be very great. Only for fit, resilient and strong climbers.

E means ‘extremely difficult’; the route runs along smooth, vertical and heavily overhanging rock. A great deal of strength and additional safety equipment are required. 

For beginners and families with children, there are a number of easy to moderately difficult Via Ferrata/Iron Ways in Tirol. We recommend, for example, the adventure Via Ferrata at the Pitztaler Glacier Climbing Park and the fairly short waterfall Via Ferrata at the Muttekopfhütte above Imst.   

Absolute classics amongst the challenging Via Ferratas/Iron Ways in Tirol are the rather long Innsbruck Via Ferrata on the Nordkette in the Karwendel Mountains, the equally long Arlberg Via Ferrata/Iron Way in the Lechtal Alps, and the Kaiserschützensteig in the Wilder Kaiser, which, although classified as moderately difficult (B/C), is nonetheless very demanding.