Mindelheimer via ferrata
Tour description
The Mindelheimer via ferrata is an alpine via ferrata (difficulty C) for experienced, sure-footed, and fearless climbers with complete via ferrata equipment. It leads through high alpine terrain and with impressive panoramic views over the rugged summit ridge of the Schafalpenköpfe. The Mindelheimer via ferrata is especially demanding due to its length and the fact that the route is not continuously protected by a cable. Starting from the Fiderepass hut, the via ferrata follows along the Austrian-German border over the summits of the three Schafalpenköpfe to the Kemptner Köpfle. The view during the entire ridge crossing is unique, and the route through the rugged main dolomite shows varied and impressive rock formations. The via ferrata ends at the Kemptner notch. From there descent via the Wildental.
Riezlern
Mittelberg
Route description
From the starting point for the Mindelheimer via ferrata, the Fiderepass hut, it goes briefly downhill and then up in switchbacks over a scree field to the Fiderescharte. Here you keep right and after a short time reach the ridge at the start of the via ferrata.
After an initially still easy section follows an overhanging wall (C) and crossing of an angled ladder (B). Over an unsecured section the route leads to the summit of the 3rd Schafalpenkopf. From there it goes down the summit ridge (B/C) and over a short bridge in the form of a horizontal ladder (A/B). The further descent leads over an inclined ramp (A/B) and at some step-poor places supported by iron pegs (B/C) down into the notch between the two Schafalpenköpfe.
The ascent via the sawtooth ridge to the middle Schafalpenkopf partly leads very exposed past ladders, chimneys, and a wall step (B) up to the summit. From there it goes partly unsecured down into a notch (B).
The ascent to the southern Schafalpenkopf continues to an unsecured rock fissure and over a slabby section (A/B) on trail traces to the summit. From there over a ladder (A/B) and a crack corner to the exit of the Mindelheimer via ferrata.
From the exit continue towards Kemptner Kopf and descend via the hiking trail to the ridge into the Kemptner notch. Descend over steep block terrain via the Hintere Wildenalpe to the Fluchtalpe. From there return through the Wildental to Mittelberg, Schwendle.
Recommended equipment
Alpine experience as well as absolute surefootedness and no fear of heights required! Unsuitable for beginners and inexperienced persons. No escape or emergency exit.
Complete via ferrata equipment required (climbing harness, via ferrata set, helmet). No continuous cable protection on the via ferrata.
There is a danger to life during thunderstorms on via ferratas. Danger of rockfall by those ahead. Proceed at your own risk!
EMERGENCY CALL:
144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg
112 European emergency call (works with any mobile phone/network)
Complete via ferrata equipment required (climbing harness, via ferrata set, helmet)
Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing
Further info & links
Tips
This is a long and overall not to be underestimated route. Those who want to tackle it with a bit more time reserve can, instead of descending directly into the Wildental from the exit of the Mindelheimer via ferrata via the Kemptner notch, continue hiking to the Mindelheimer hut and plan an additional overnight stay there.
Further links
The via ferrata is very popular; therefore, during the main season, you must expect oncoming traffic.
Nature experience map, scale 1:12,000. Available (for a fee) at the tourist information in the Walserhaus
Unlimited 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