Two-country sport via ferrata

hard
Via Ferrata

Distance

3.95 km

Duration

4:00 h

Altitude meters

372 m

Highest point

2057 m

Show on map

Tour description

The sport via ferrata (difficulty C to D) offers for experienced via ferrata climbers in the north face of the Kanzelwand steep ascents, traverses, a rope bridge, and demanding climbing sections over a length of 500 meters. The prerequisites for this via ferrata are experience in via ferrata climbing, sure-footedness, fearlessness of heights, and complete via ferrata equipment.

The via ferrata runs along the border of Austria and Germany and is characterized by great exposure and continuous challenges. From the summit of the Kanzelwand, a breathtaking view of Austria and Germany unfolds. The descent from the summit of the Kanzelwand is via the normal path.



Route description

The route starts at the top station of the Kanzelwandbahn. Coming from the wide ridge path, keeping left down into the large bowl, past the storage pond to the lift house of the two-country chairlift. Here follow the signposted hiking trail towards the Fiderepass hut. Leave the hiking trail and follow a narrower path with via ferrata traces to the foot of the wall and the start of the two-country sport via ferrata.

The via ferrata itself is continuously secured by cable. Over a still fairly easy-to-walk-in entry ramp (A/B), the via ferrata leads over a slab (C) to an exposed corner (C/D). The cable protection runs over ledges ascending through the wall and leads steeply up a vertical wall (C/D). Into a strenuous traverse (C) and over a ramp with a short resting possible (A/B) it goes to the key point of the via ferrata: a vertical wall with few footholds (C/D). After a short traverse (C), the via ferrata leads over a rope bridge (A/B) and strenuously (C/D) on to two pillars (C) past an overhanging rock block (C) to the exit of the via ferrata.

After exiting the via ferrata, the route leads on a short detour to the summit of the Kanzelwand. The descent follows the normal path, which leads back to the summit station of the Kanzelwandbahn.

Recommended equipment

Alpine experience as well as absolute sure-footedness and fearlessness of heights required! Unsuitable for beginners and untrained persons. No escape or emergency exit.

Complete via ferrata equipment strictly required (climbing harness, via ferrata set, helmet)

There is a risk to life from thunderstorms on via ferrata routes. Danger of falling rocks from those ahead. Climb at your own risk!

Due to the north-facing orientation, snow lasts longer and after rainy days it often remains damp longer.

EMERGENCY CALL:

144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg

112 European emergency number (works with any mobile phone/network) 

Complete via ferrata equipment strictly required (climbing harness, via ferrata set, helmet)

Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing.

Further info & links

Tips

On the descent you can take the 26 m long Burmabridge with you as a highlight, which is located on the Walser via ferrata.

Further links

How do you consciously experience nature?

Nature is so much more than the backdrop for unforgettable mountain experiences. It is a habitat for animals and plants. It provides drinking water and supplies us with high quality food. Not only does it provide valuable raw materials such as wood, it also protects against avalanches and mudslides and regulates the climate. It is up to us to support nature in everything that it does for us. One thing is certain, together we can achieve more:

Smart in NATURE

CONSCIOUS together

EXPERIENCE foresight

Smart in NATURE

Take a deep breath and recharge your batteries, be outside and feel free. When we enjoy nature, we are guests in the living room of shy animals and rare plants. If you behave smart, they will be happy to share their living space with you in the future too.

Stay on paths and marked routes

If you follow the marked paths and routes, you are sure to come to new favorite places. In this way you also respect protected areas, because many animals and plants need special protection. Especially in winter, any disturbance unnecessarily costs the wild animals the strength they need to survive.

Avoiding twilight times

Standing on a mountain at sunrise is a special experience. The morning and evening hours are also the time when most wild animals are in search of food. If they are disturbed, they get stressed. If it cannot be avoided, please stay on the marked path, do not use a bright headlamp and enjoy the silence.

Stay clean & take rubbish with you

It goes without saying: You take rubbish with you again, on the mountain and in the valley. Please also organic waste, because it is composted much more slowly at altitude. You can dispose of the rubbish properly at home or in your accommodation - please remember that there are no rubbish bins in public spaces in Kleinwalsertal.

On the natural toilet

If you are looking for a quiet place, please be at least 50 m away from water. Bury excrement or cover it with a large stone. Use fallen leaves or recycled toilet paper and put the paper back in the trash bag.

On tour with a dog

Are you always in control of your four-legged partner, even if he gets his nose for marmots, deer or other wild animals? You are both on the safe side on a leash. Keep dogs on a short leash near grazing cattle. If an attack by a grazing animal is foreseeable: leash off immediately. There are numerous dog stations in the valley for the disposal of dog bags. The farmers and alpine farmers thank you because manure in meadows and fields contaminates the feed and makes grazing cattle sick.

CONSCIOUS to each other

Consideration for other athletes and those looking for relaxation

Everyone loves to enjoy a special piece of earth for themselves. But most of the time we are not traveling alone. No problem, because there is enough space. Allow time, open the way in an accommodating manner, provide support when someone needs help and always give a smile. So nothing stands in the way of friendly cooperation and relaxed enjoyment of nature.

Appreciating the preservation of the cultural landscape

Alpine landscapes are touching with their contrast: Imposing peaks and natural forests alternate with gentle valleys, well-tended meadows and pastures. In the Kleinwalsertal too, this delightful landscape at three altitudes is no coincidence, but the result of an interplay of natural and cultural landscapes. Behind this is the work of farmers, alpine and forestry as well as hunters. With their work, they ensure that the attractiveness of the recreation and leisure area and the diversity of species are preserved. We already say thank you if we stay on the marked trails and enjoy regional products.

 

EXPERIENCE farsighted

Safe on tour - for you and others

Whether on a ski or snowshoe tour in winter or on a mountain tour in summer, anyone who is out and about in alpine terrain has to be well prepared. This includes careful information and tour planning as well as the right equipment. Correctly assessing alpine dangers requires a lot of knowledge and experience. Why not learn from professionals and go on tour with one of the experienced guides?

Boundless hiking in the Kleinwalsertal. Hiking and route map with hiking guide and panorama, scale 1:25,000. Available (for a fee) at the tourist information in the Walserhaus

Alpine Club map Bavarian Alps, Kleinwalsertal BY2, scale 1:25,000


Today, 10.12.2025

Morning

-1 °C

Mountain

3 °C

Valley

Noon

1 °C

Mountain

9 °C

Valley

Evening

-2 °C

Mountain

2 °C

Valley

Current
avalanche warning level

Morning low

Afternoon low