Austrian Alps: Via Ferrata Fulpmes (B)

We set out in the direction of Austria fully loaded, with a ton of equipment by our side. I think that if we will plan to have a holiday together with another couple and to travel with only one car, we will never manage to fit everything inside. We are starting to have this problem only for the two of us. As such we are actually considering that our next car might be a minibus. For this holiday we did not preplan all of the days. Rather we chose a few hikes, bike trails and via ferratas’ that we would like to approach and decided to be spontaneous or choose them in regards to the local weather forecast. The first day was reserved for a hike + via ferrata track. The initial plan was for a C/D graded via ferrata on the peaks above Innsbruck but unfortunately the weather was not by our side. Basically the high peaks were engulfed in clouds for most of the day. To reach the starting point we needed to take a cable car that would have costed 70 EUR, a sum we wouldn’t have wanted to pay for having no view. So, plan B in the Austrian Alps: Via Ferrata Fulpmes.

Distance

18.2 Km

Total Time

8 h 17 min

Active Time

6 h 42 min

Vertical Relief

+1849 / -1849 m

Min/Max Altitude

948 – 2425 m

Ferrata Grade

Easy

Via Ferrata Fulpmes

So, as we have said, after a short deliberation and analysis of our current options we chose to embark on a hike that would also include a very small via ferrata. The area is extremely beautiful and it offers a lot to do for all tourist types, from families with kids to rock climbing enthusiasts.

We left from Hell (funny, considering it’s a rather heavenly place) in the direction of Fulpmes (road tax – 3 EUR per car / one way) and  we  left the car in the big parking lot from the Schlick 2000 cable car. As we already lost some time in the morning trying to decide where to go so we skipped an hour of walking up the mountain by taking the cable car for one stop (16 EUR per 2 persons). For your information, the first stop of the cable car could be easily completed with your bicycle. There is an relatively easy road that will take all the way to hut Almgasthof Schlickeralm at 1616 m. This should take roughly 6-7 kilometers and approximately +600 m (and it would also help you with a fast descent).

We chose to go up one stop with the cable car and from there it took us one hour to reach the above mentioned hut. There are two options, to walk on the road or to follow a footpath through the forest. The later was especially created for families as there are along the way numerous contraptions for kids. These are large wooden puzzles / experiments that will highlight the power of gravity, water, wind etc. To use them you need a large, 15 cm, wooden wheel, that you can acquire at the ticket station / start of the footpath. Furthermore you have a few picnic areas and a small adventure park for the little ones. Along the way there’s also a nice artificial lake where you can chill and enjoy the sun.

Reaching the hut we are greeted by four funny and curious Alpacas. We have seen plenty of cows and marmots in the Alps but these are the first Alpacas we found here. The hut is really big and it offers lunch and drinks. For the kids they have a play zone and there are plenty of animals running around that they can admire.

We left the busy hut behind and from there we started going up through a forest path for approximately two hours. This took us all to way to a saddle where we knew our path was towards left. The Alpen peaks were surrounded in clouds but there were signs they were dissipating. It was interesting that we only meet about five people during our alpine walk. Peace and quiet. At the saddle intersection we decided to eat lunch and then to follow the gravel path towards the start of the ferrata. The peaks around us were imposing and were reminisce of the Dolomites in Northern Italy (we had some good memories from there).

At the ferrata we equipped our gear and started ascending as it was pretty chilly when you were not moving. The climb was easy but the rock was really loose. We were careful not to dislocate to many boulders. We didn’t even warm up properly and sooner than we could have imagined we finished the ferrata. The effort to get the gear on was almost not worth it but at least the view was great.

The next section is really breathtaking as it takes us on a narrow path on the side of the mountain. There is no way one would not fall in love with this country and its mountains.

Because time was a bit scarce we decided to descend. The plan was to also manage to do some shopping at the supermarket in the evening as we needed food. We will, for sure, return here. Maybe add a little more time and have an early morning start in order to be able to approach a really imposing via ferrata on one of the peaks.

The descent is on a zig zagging path that doesn’t put too much pressure on the knees. It took us roughly three hours to get back to the parking lot where we left the car. It was such a nice day!

GPS track to Via Ferrata Fulpmes

How to get to Via Ferrata Fulpmes?

The easiest way to reach Fulpmes from Innsbruck is to follow the highway A13 in the direction of Italy. At Schönberg im Stubaital you will descend from the highway and make your way on road 183 on the Stubai valley. The A13 is a toll road and for this small section you need to pay 3 EUR. You should reach Fulpmes in a couple of kilometers, both the small town and the cable car have plenty of road signs pointing in the right direction.

Where to sleep?

For this area we chose a small camping near Innsbruck as base camp. The place is called Camping Judenstein and it is located in… well you guessed it Judenstein. The place is not huge, not small – the camping is really cozy and has a lot to offer. The pitches are decent, you even have a bit of shade from the trees, there is a nice covered place to eat, a small store available at the reception and good facilities (such as laundry, fridge and freezer).  I find it quite convenient.  The PRICE:  around 23 € / night for two persons, one small car and one small tent. The only small downside is that it is located next to the village church. It is one of those places that mark each 15 minutes with a small dong and each hour with the right amount of dongs. But you get used to it fast.

Good to know

For food you have plenty of options in the area. Most huts also serve food and drinks so you don’t really need to plan for it. Most of the huts also offer accommodation if you plan a longer stay in the area or if you plan to do some more demanding peaks and need an early morning start.

If you are in the Stubai valley and plan to have an extended stay and visit other destinations, then you have plenty options to choose from. There are a multitude of hikes in the area. Also at the end of the valley you can find the Stubai Glacier, which is open all year round.

Hope you found the information helpful and accurate, but remember, if you have any questions drop them in a comment below!

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