Climbing in Zillertal

With the Gerlosstein cable car in Hainzenberg you reach one of the most beautiful via ferratas in the Zillertal valley. The 380m long Gerlosstein via ferrata leads up over a 240m high rockface at Mount Gerlosstein and not only ensures a fantastic alpine experience, but takes you to one of the valley's most beautiful mountains. Special introductory courses are offered for newcomers to this climb, which is classed as challenging and was constructed by the local mountain rescue team in collaboration with the Zillertal Arena. The local climbing schools provide professional advice and guided tours along this route. 

Some facts:

• Difficulty: C/D
• Duration: 2,5h 
• Rope length: 380m
• Altitude difference: 240m
• Ascend: with the Gerlosstein cable car
• Access: approx. 45 minutes walking distance from the top station of the Gerlosstein cable car

The Nasenwand via ferrata starts practically on the doorstep of the mountaineering village of Ginzling. After a short approach, the route immediately takes you into steep, and in places very exposed, wall sections. The via ferrata is challenging and is aimed at experienced via ferrata climbers with sure-footedness. About halfway up, there is an escape route – those who continue will be rewarded with a spectacular section high above the valley.

NOTE: In wet conditions, the via ferrata quickly becomes significantly more difficult. Take care on the descent – risk of falling! Do not remove your safety harness yet.

Some facts:

• Difficulty: D/E
• Duration: 3 hours 
• Altitude difference: 300m
• Access: From the climbing car park in Neu-Ginzling, continue straight ahead – the start is clearly visible on the left-hand side after just a few metres. 

The children’s via ferrata offers a mix of traditional via ferrata terrain and high-rope course elements. The ropes and footholds are fitted in such a way as to make climbing easier for children.

Some facts:

• Difficulty: A/B
• Duration: 2 hours
• Altitude difference: 200m
• Access: follow the hiking trail "Huterlanersteig" next to the hotel Zillertal (no. 2c) until you see the sign for the via ferrata

An experience for the whole family – ideal for trying out a via ferrata for the first time. Highlight: the spectacular rope bridge at the emergency exit, offering a unique view.

Some facts:

• Difficulty: B/C
• Duration: 1,5 hour
• Altitude difference: 210m
• Access: Follow the hiking trail "Huterlanersteig" next to the hotel Zillertal (no. 2c) until you see the sign for the via ferrata

The Pfeilspitzwand via ferrata offers a varied route and fantastic views. To complete it, you’ll need plenty of experience and stamina, as you’ll have to tackle sections of difficulty categories C/D over long stretches.

Some facts:

• Difficulty: C/D
• Duration: 2 hours
• Altitude: 250m
• Access: The trail begins at the garden fence of the last house opposite the parking lot (100m north to the hotel Zillertal), turn right at the crossing

The Astegg via ferrata offers an exciting challenge on steep rock faces and narrow paths – ideal for advanced climbers. Thanks to steel cables, footholds and ladders, the route is well secured. In the upper section, there is the option to choose a variant with a difficulty rating of D/E.

Some facts:

• Difficulty: C/D
• Duration: about 1 hour
• Altitude difference: 300m
• Access: This via ferrata can be reached via various other via ferratas: Huterlaner or Zimmereben. However, the most logical starting point is the Pfeilspitzwand via ferrata. The start of the Astegg via ferrata is located directly at the exit of the Pfeilspitzwand via ferrata.

A challenging route for experienced via ferrata climbers with the necessary fitness and technical skills. Some overhanging sections pose a challenge even for experienced climbers. Highlight: the 48-metre-long Himmelsbrücke – a free-hanging rope suspension bridge offering spectacular views over Mayrhofen.

Some facts:

• Difficulty: C/D
• Duration: 2 hours
• Altitude difference: 240m
• Access: follow the hiking trail "Huterlanersteig" next to the hotel Zillertal (no. 2c) until you see the sign for the via ferrata

The two via ferrata routes in the Knorren climbing area on the Penken offer varied experiences for all levels of ability. The KnorrenNadel delights visitors with two rope bridges and a spectacular viewing platform, whilst the SteinBock via ferrata impresses with a challenging ascent and magnificent panoramic views of the Zillertal Alps. Halfway up, the two routes converge and continue together towards the summit.

Some facts:

• Difficulty:  A/C 
• Duration: approx. 45 minutes
• Altitude difference: 50m
• Access: Take the Penkenbahn from Mayrhofen to the mountain station, then continue on the Kombibahn. From there, follow the gravel road towards Penkenjoch until you reach the turn-off at the 6SB Knorren, or alternatively, follow the route alongside the two reservoirs.

On the Flying Fox, you glide along a steel cable across the impressive Schlegeis Dam and experience the stunning mountain scenery from a truly unique perspective. High up in the air, you float over the spectacular surroundings of the Schlegeis Reservoir. A special experience for anyone who wants to combine height, speed and action.

On the Giant Swing, you first plunge 131 metres into the depths: you jump off the dam and fall about 40 metres into the void before the safety system catches you. You then swing in a wide arc along the dam, like a giant pendulum. The free fall and swinging motion provide an intense adrenaline rush – with spectacular views of the Schlegeis Dam and the surrounding mountains.

Some facts:

• Audience: Recommended from the age of 10 and up, minimum weight 40kg
• Duration: 1,5 hours
• Altitude difference: 131m
• Rope length: 600m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is a toll road subject to charge. 

The abseiling platform is situated on the upper rim of the dam. It takes you 131 metres down to the foot of the dam. When abseiling is no need to be concerned about safety: the optimally designed and high quality safety system, operated by specially trained mountain guides, will bring you safely to the ground. When abseiling you are surrounded by a unique landscape and will probably never forget this special adventure. You are of course welcome to combine abseiling with climbing the dam on the Via Ferrata. The abseiling platform gives you a very special feeling of excitement, together with views of the dam and its surrounding. Feel the adrenaline rush through your body.

Some facts:

• Audience: recommended from the age of 10 and up, minimum weight 40kg 
• Duration: 1,5 hours
• Altitude difference: 131m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is a toll road subject to charge. 

This unique via ferrata does not run over rock, but is built directly onto the Schlegeis dam. What’s different? There are no rocks or trees to use as additional handholds to hold on to. A climbing experience of a completely different kind, surrounded by nothing but the concrete wall.

Some facts:

• Difficulty: A/B
• walking distance: 1 hour
• Altitude difference: 131m
• Rope length: 300m
• Access: Park at the top of Schlegeis Dam. Follow the marked trail from the crest of the dam to the bottom, where you will find the entry point. Schlegeis Alpine Road is subject to a toll fee.

The children’s via ferrata has been specially designed for little adventurers and guarantees plenty of fun. It is suitable for both beginners and children with some climbing experience.

Some facts:

• Audience: beginners - recommended for children from 7 years
• Difficulty: A (with a C variant)
• Altitude difference: 30m
• Rope length: 100m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. From there you can follow the marked way from the Staumauerkrone to the entry. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is a toll road subject to charge. 

The difficulty ranges from 5 to 7+. From the middle of the route onwards, the wall becomes increasingly overhanging and requires good strength endurance. Confident multi-pitch and rope techniques are essential. This highly exposed route is suitable for fit climbers who can lead grade 7 routes confidently. Warning! From the third pitch onwards, retreat is no longer possible!

Some facts:

• Difficulty: 7+ to 8-
• Duration: 2,5 hours
• Altitude difference: 131m
• Rope length: 50m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. From there you can follow the marked way from the Staumauerkrone to the foot of the dam. There you will find the entry point. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is toll road subjected to charge. 

The 3 children's climbing routes on the edge of the Schlegeis Dam are an ideal introduction to the adventures of climbing. Kids will get an incredible feeling of freedom as they climb the wall of the dam, whilst being safely secured. Sport climbing requires some previous via ferrata experience.

Some facts:

• Audience: recommended for children starting from the age of 5 and up 
• Difficulty: 2-4
• Altitude difference: 20m 
• Rope length: 20m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. From there you can follow the marked way from the Staumauerkrone to the entry. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is a toll road subject to charge.