The Innsbrucker via ferrata (klettersteig) is a long ridge route located above the Austrian town of Innsbruck, which offers climbers 360-degree panoramic views throughout the entire climb.
Summary
Grade: C/D – view topo
Vertical: 550m ferrata, 640m total
Time: 10min approach, 5h ferrata, 1h30min descent, 6h40min total
Access / Parking: 47.2866,11.3983 – Google Maps or any Android maps app
Start via ferrata: 47.3122,11.3802 – Mapy.cz or any Android maps app
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Map and photos
Access
We start by traveling to the Austrian town of Innsbruck, which is well-connected by both train and road. You can arrive here easily by train even from the Munich airport in Germany.
Approach to start
The most convenient option to get to the top of the mountain, close to the start of our route, is by using the Innsbruck Nordkettenbahnen, a gondola lift system which consist of 3 sections. Look for the ticket combo that offers an ascent to Hafelekar and a return from the Seegrube middle station, to where we will hike after the via ferrata.
First head towards the Hungerburg district with the Hungerburgbahn, a hybrid funicular railway which provides a scenic ascent and can be boarded directly from the stations near the city center.
From Hungerburg, take the next two sections of the gondola lift, Seegrubenbahn and Hafelakarbahn.
From the “Top of Innsbruck” station, follow the marked trails that lead to the starting point of the via ferrata. The trailhead is well-signposted and offers an additional opportunity to take in the beautiful alpine scenery before clipping the carabiners to the steel cable.
The route
The route has two distinct sections. The first section is longer and contains easier segments, primarily following the ridge. This part includes a short suspension bridge and offers spectacular views of Innsbruck, nearly 2000 meters below, as well as a breathtaking panoramic view of the glaciated peaks of the main Alpine ridge. Once you finish this section, you follow the ridge on foot down to the Langer Sattel (2258 m) mountain pass. Here, you can decide whether to climb the second section as well or descend to the Seegrube middle station.
If time and weather permit, you can continue to the second section of the via ferrata, which, although shorter than the first part, features more challenging segments. This section leads through a labyrinth of rock towers, gaps, and steep wall passages. The second part is definitely worth the extra effort.
The entire via ferrata is a classic that should not be missed!
Descent
The cable of the second section ends at the rock called Frau Hitt (2270 m). From here you follow the path and signs pointing to Seegrube station and take the cable car down to Innsbruck. The alternative is to descend approximately 1600 meters in elevation on foot.
Good to know
- Usually opens end of June.
- Long ridge via ferrata for which you need stable weather.
- You can climb only the first part or the entire tour.
- First built in 1986.
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Video
Weather
Main sources
- bergsteigen.com (German)
- nordkette.com
- we climbed the route on June 23, 2022