Talbach is a beautifully designed via ferrata (klettersteig) that runs next to the Talbach waterfall in the Ziller Valley (Zillertal), Austria.
Summary
Grade: C/D – view topo
Vertical: 120m ferrata, 140m total
Time: 5min approach, 1h ferrata, 15min descent, 1h20min total
Access / Parking: 47.2253,11.8637 – Google Maps or any Android maps app
Start via ferrata: 47.2261,11.8635 – Mapy.cz or any Android maps app
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Map and photos
Access
By car, we arrive in the Ziller Valley coming from Jenbach. In Zell am Ziller, we cross to the other side of the river and continue to the car park marked by the coordinates above.
The Ziller Valley is well connected by trains, and we can use this option as well. We get off the train at Laimach Regionalmuseum station, cross the pedestrian bridge over the river, and continue on foot up to the car park.
Approach to start
The short approach path begins directly at the parking area.
The route
This via ferrata has two main distinct sections, with several emergency exits in each section. The difficulty gradually increases as we move through the first section, while the second section appeals to the more experienced via ferrata climbers.
You can climb only the first section, skip it entirely and start with the main section, or use the emergency exits to climb only parts of each section.
There is a short, optional D/E segment at the end of the first part of the route, only a few meters above the ground. This is ideal for testing your abilities if you have never attempted a D/E route before. Be aware of the people comfortably walking below you.
The two long, shaky three-wire bridges, measuring 25 meters and 35 meters respectively, become more stable when you advance slowly and with control. The second bridge brings you particularly close to the roaring waters, especially during spring or after a rainfall.
Descent
Follow the signposted path back to the car park. If you used the exit before the last bridge, then there is a path on that side of the waterfall as well, leading back to the start.
Good to know
- Several emergency exits, including one before the last bridge.
- Cozy snack bar next to the car park.
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Video
Weather
Main sources
- bergsteigen.com (German)
- we climbed the route on August 21, 2019