Rote Flüh, Gimpel, Lachenspitze – those are the name of some of the most iconic mountains in the Tannheimer Tal Valley near the Austrian-German border. Their rockfaces are some of the most popular climbing areas in Tirol.
Fans of multi-pitch climbing routes will be spoilt for choice in the Tannheimer Tal Valley. The region's sport climbing areas, frozen waterfalls and via ferratas also offer plenty of action and fabulous views of the surrounding mountains. Although this area lies on the edge of Tirol, close to neighbouring Bavaria, in winter it is home to one of the highest frozen waterfalls in Tirol: the Blässefall at an incredible 250 metres. There is also a high-rope adventure park in Nesselwängle.
Sport climbing in the Tannheimer Tal Valley
Situated between the Lechtal Valley and the Tannheimer Tal Valley, on the Gaichtpass mountain pass, is the Gaichtpass climbing area. The views are great but the rock can be quite brittle, so this area is recommended for experienced climbers only. Beginners, on the other hand, can visit the northern side of the Hochwiesler near the iconic peak of the Rote Flüh (2,108m). The climbing area on the 2,173m Gimpel mountain (routes rated 3 to 7) is diverse but takes 2.5 hours to reach on foot.
All sport climbing routes at a glance
Multi-pitch climbing routes in the Tannheimer Tal Valley
There are many multi-pitch climbing routes in the region. The area around the Rote Flüh mountain alone has around 17 of them, some of which are also used in winter. Climbers should pay close attention as many of the routes cross over, sometimes leading to confusion about the right path to take.The Gimpel mountain has a lot of long climbs, though most are relatively difficult. There are also plenty of multi-pitch climbs on the Hochwiesler mountain and a few on the Kellespitze peak.
All multi-pitch climbing routes at a glance
Via ferrata climbing routes in the Tannheimer Tal Valley
The region has three good via ferratas. Beginners should try the Friedberger Klettersteig, which can be reached using the cable car leading up onto the Füssener Jöchle. The northern face of the Lachenspitze has a via ferrata which requires both strength and a good head for heights. The reward is a fabulous view of three mountain lakes. Last but not least, the via ferrata on the southern tip of the Kellenspitze is also challenging but is a great way to explore what is the highest peak in the Tannheim Mountains at 2,238 metres above sea level.
Ice climbing in the Tannheimer Tal Valley
The Blässefall waterfall above the Visalpsee lake is without a doubt the number one destination in the valley for ice climbing. At 250 metres it is the highest of its kind in Tirol. The steeper section requires experience and good knowledge of the necessary safety measures. Beginners will enjoy the Engefall waterfall to the north of Grän, which generally divides into two separate areas: the right-hand side is up to 80 metres high and the left-hand side is up to 100 metres high. Both take just 15 minutes to walk to.
All ice climbing routes at a glance
Climbing park in the Tannheimer Tal Valley
The Tannheimer Tal Valley's climbing park is located in Nesselwängle, below the Rote Flüh and Gimpel mountains. It has seven obstacle courses up to 17 metres above the ground and a fun zipwire. The easier sections are suitable for children aged 6 years and older. In fact, there is a zipwire course comprising one 120m and one 100m zipwire.
