The Best Via Ferratas in Tirol

Leading up along and around the mighty Stuibenfall waterfall, this via ferrata has a truly unique location. As you climb, you are never far from the thundering water of the 159-metre-high falls - the highest in Tirol. The route is rated C (intermediate) and includes rope bridges, forest sections and a few steep faces requiring strong arms and strong nerves. There are plenty of footholds and an easier detour at the end, meaning this via ferrata is suitable even for children aged ten years or older.

Perched almost 2,000 vertical metres above Innsbruck, this via ferrata leads along the ridge of the Nordkette Mountains. It is relatively long and is made up of two sections. The first leads from Hafelekar up over the Seegrubenspitze and the Kemacher (2,480 metres) along the ridge of the Langer Sattel (C). The second is rated C/D (difficult) as a result of several steep and challenging elements. It leads from the Östliche Sattelspitze to the Frau-Hitt-Sattel. Each section can be climbed individually.

Right at the end of the Kaunertal Valley, between the Gepatschferner glacier and the Gepatsch-Stausee reservoir, lies the challenging Holderli Seppl via ferrata. The start is by the Rifflbach waterfall at 1,940 metres above sea level. Two easy-to-navigate bridges lead over the thundering water before the route continues up along the course of the rushing stream (this section is rated B, easy). Near the end there are two more difficult sections (B/C, intermediate) with iron handholds and footholds anchored into the rock. This via ferrata is suitable for families. It is 240 metres in length and takes around two hours to complete.

This short and family-friendly via ferrata at around 2,000 metres above sea level is located near the Muttekopfhütte hut and is popular in summer thanks to its nearby waterfall. The first section is pretty steep (rated C) and is the most difficult part of the whole route. Things then get a little easier as climbers pass the waterfall and a hanging bridge. After just 30 minutes the action is over and it's time to walk back down again. The start can be easily accessed by cable car. Perfect for families.

The Klamml via ferrata scales the southern flanks of the Wilden Kaiser Mountains. There are two nearby huts – the Gruttenhütte and the Gaudeamushütte – serving food and drink, but you have to earn your reward first. The via ferrata is divided into two short but tough sections. The lower section is rated B/C, while the upper section is rated D. They are connected by a spectacular hanging bridge crossing a gorge. Those who want to avoid the tough second section can end the climb at the bridge and walk back down from there.

This via ferrata begins at the top of the Rofanseilbahn cable car. It is, in fact, made up of five individuals via ferratas, each leading to the top of a mountain. Some of the ascents lead along the same route. The climbs to the top of the Rosskopf, Seekarlspitze and Hochiss are rated C/D (difficult), while the Haidachstellwand and the Spieljoch are rated B/C and C respectively. At between 180 and 450 metres in length, they reach a maximum altitude of 2,300 metres above sea level.

2,000 metres of steel rope, 1,050 metal brackets, 500 handholds and footholds, 2,800 metres in length, up to 2,753 metres above sea level – those are the key facts and figures of the Arlberg via ferrata, one of the most challenging fixed-rope climbing routes in Tirol. This long route high above the Stanzer Tal Valley is tough, rugged and rated D (difficult). However, the rewards are spectacular with amazing views along the ridge. There are a number of emergency exits along the way.

The Pitztal Glacier Climbing Park offers four via ferratas catering for varying levels of ability and experience. Beginners and children under ten years of age will enjoy the "Erlebnissteig" (B+). The slightly more tricky "Murmeltiersteig" (C) is also good for families while also containing a number of more challenging sections. The third option, the "Gamssteig" (D-), is tough in places but good preparation for the fourth and most difficult via ferrata, the "Steinbocksteig" (D+). This is almost 100% pure climbing with just a few artificial handholds and footholds.

This via ferrata leads up to the top of the 2,671-metre-high Ballunspitze mountain in the Silvapark Galtür and includes several challenging sections rated C/D. From start to finish there are 380 vertical metres to climb, including steep faces. The via ferrata is suitable for children from 12 years of age. The reward for that hard work is a fabulous panoramic view of mountains, glaciers, the Kops reservoir and the Rätikon Massif. The walk down contains a number of steep and tricky elements, so make sure you have enough energy left.

Located east of the idyllic Wildsee lake above Fieberbrunn, this via ferrata is good fot families but still presents a few challenges. It leads up to the top of the Marokka mountain (1,992 metres). The route is rated B/C and offers fabulous views of the surrounding landscape. Highlights include a hanging bridge, an easy ridge and a few step sections up to the summit. Those who have energy left after the two-hour climb can also take on the Henne via ferrata.