Austrian Alps: Via Ferrata Innsbruck (C/D)

Situated  in the western part of Austria on the river Inn, Innsbruck is the largest city in this part of the country. The location of this town is more than idyllic,  in a wide, open valley with plenty of sunlight but at the same time surrounded by high rocky peaks on all sides. Furthermore, from the city, you can climb all the  way up to almost 3000 meters for a fantastic view of the area. While you are up here in the Austrian Alps  it would be a great idea to try the Via Ferrata Innsbruck, or as the locals call it, the Nordkette Klettersteig.  This is one of the most beautiful via ferratas that we have ever completed and it will for sure reward you with some fantastic sights if the weather is on your side. Besides the proper via ferrata equipment you will need to be sure footed as most of it will take you on the alpine ridge, so we would not recommend it to beginners.

Distance

4.6 Km

Total Time

6 h 30 min

Active Time

4 h 44 min

Vertical Relief

+330 / -692 m

Min/Max Altitude

1942 – 2520 m

Ferrata Grade

Medium

Via Ferrata Innsbruck

After a cloudy day we filled with an easy bike ride, from Innsbruck to Telfs, the weather forecast was finally predicting some perfect time. So we took the opportunity to go for the Innsbruck via ferrata. The plan was easy: early morning start – drive to the cable car (34 EUR / person / round trip) – via ferrata track – descend on foot to the intermediary cable car stop – descend back to the car with the cable car – sleep. Of course you could also do the track without using the cable car but you would loose a lot of time and the ascent is not at all pleasant. Basically you would need to ascend from 800 meters all the way to 2300 meter (all on the sunny side). After that you have about 4-5 hours on the via ferrata (or 7-8 hours if you plan to do both sections) and at the end the descent would be most probably at night. As such we chose the cable car 🙂

The only downside for using the cable car is that you can’t start the track very early in the morning. Thus you cannot do both sections since there isn’t enough time if you plan to also descend with the cable car.

We were in the parking lot shortly before 9 AM (opening time) and already bought the tickets. There were already a lot of people waiting in queue so we managed to ascend with the second cable car only. Up on the top we only stopped for a few pictures and to get the gear on. At 10 AM we started the track. From the cable car to the start of the via ferrata you need about 10-15 minutes max.

This via ferrata will take you on the full length of the Seegrubenspitze ridge, on the Eastern, Middle and Western Kaminspitze and on the Kemacher peak. The way is pretty exposed with many ups and downs and tight crossings on narrow ridges – but the rock quality is excellent with good grips. Also the secured steel cable is in great state, only a few years old. We can recall only a few delicate zones where there was an increased risk of falling rocks but for the most part everything was OK.

Up to this point in time, this is Karina’s favorite via ferrata, in terms of climbing opportunities and technique. Even though you are permanently surrounded by high Alpen Peaks, she still loved the view from Tre Cime in the Dolomites more. But this is just personal taste.

In order to traverse the first section (which is the longest and more technical) the official estimation is about 4 – 4.5 hours. In reality you can estimate it at 5 hours as the path is pretty crowded.

We really enjoyed it because it constantly keeps you focused, you traverse almost 90% of time on the ridge. The exposure is sometimes really high (estimated difficulty is C/D) but with the help of the steel cable you feel secure enough not to have big problems. At one point you cross a half meter wide ridge where without a cable for security I don’t think we would have done it with a smile on our faces.

We were also happy that during the track we managed to put into practice a few skills we caught up during our climbing sessions. Even if our climbing experience is relative low we are slowly building it up.

The nice part about via ferrata tracks in general, and even more for the ones in the Alps, is that when the going gets rough the surrounding  views will always boost your morale and attitude. The path is exposed and you are afraid but you are also with a wide smile on your face.

GPS track for Via Ferrata Innsbruck

How to get to Via Ferrata Innsbruck?

From Innsbruck you need to go in the direction of Ölberg. From here follow the signs to the Seegrubebahn Talstation or Nordkette. It should be relative easy to find. You can find a decently sized parking lot next to the station but if you are not there early in the morning you might find it full. From Innsbruck you have buses than will take you here as well.

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 sheltered 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 this via ferrata it is recommended to get an early start. The cable car opens at 9 AM so try to be there at that time. Two reasons: later you might not find a parking place and if it is really crowded you might not have enough time to reach the cable car for the descent, last trip down is at 5 PM. The round trip is roughly 34 EUR per adult.

Next to the cable car stations you can find places that serve food and drinks. From the start to the end of the via ferrata you need to carry your own refreshments and chow. Pack for at least 4 hours but take into consideration that because of high traffic the duration might be longer.

Check the weather forecast for the area as the via ferrata is not recommended in bad weather. The probability of accidents is high and during summer the chances of lightning storms is not to be taken lightly.

Full via ferrata equipment is mandatory and if you are a beginner I would not recommend to approach this track. Start with small steps and gather experience in safety.

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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