Climbing in the Zillertal valley

The Zillertal Alps nature reserve offers bizarre rock formations and steep rock faces providing pure excitement for climbing enthusiasts. Alpinists equipped - with rope, pickaxe and crampons - will find perfect summit tours.

Bizarre heights, extreme ridges and breath-taking views - a special truly experience for everyone!

Via ferratas in the Zillertal region

Via ferrata "Zimmereben"

• Target group: Advanced and expert climbers of all age groups
• Difficulty: C/D+
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Altitude difference: 239 metres
• Rope length: 450 metres

A challenging but awesome route with partly vertical and overhanging sections; its awe-inspiring start at an overhanging rock will impress even experienced climbers. Highlights of the route - while climbing over slabs and ridges - are the "Hollywood Swing", a ropeway, exposed traverse sections and overhangs; a challenging route for fit climbing enthusiasts. There are info points at key sections of the via ferrata.

Via ferrata "Huterlaner"

• Target group: Beginners and advanced alpinists
• Difficulty: C
• Walking distance: approx. 1 hour
• Altitude difference: 210 metres
• Rope length: 560 metres

A natural via ferrata with family friendly route and excellent safety features. The route consists of short earthy trails followed by steep uphill sections. There is an additional access/exit point at the rope bridge. An interesting change for families with children aged 10 and over with an adventurous ascent. There are info points on key sections of the Via ferrata.

Via ferrata "Nasenwand"

Ginzling’s new climbing attraction can be easily accessed by a short trail from the village centre (starts at Gasthaus Neue Post) to via ferrata. The hiking path to Ginzling’s local mountain, the Drisnter will take you to the starting point at 1,050 metres in just a few minutes-walk. The via ferrata is 500 metres long with an altitude difference of 400 metres leading to the historic “Floitenschlag” at 1,450 metres.

The climbing route with safety cables and footholds has a difficulty level of “C/E" (middle to upper range). Its length and the level of exposure make it an extremely demanding via ferrata. The steep route goes through thin mountain forest and across outcrops of rock; and climbers have an impressive view over the mountaineering village during the entire course of the climb, which compensates for all the efforts.

Via ferrata "Knorren" am Penken

• 180 metres long - 45 minutes
• 50 metres of altitude difference
• Difficulty level of B/C (medium)
• Users of via ferrata & equipment climb under their own judgment and at their own risk!

The “via ferrata for everyone” offers novice climbers the opportunity to experience the thrills of climbing.

A vertical ladder forms the start of the route, followed by an elevated traverse, with occasional steeper sections, up to the summit. You follow the taut steel rope at all times and need to have a good head for heights for the start. At the summit, you take the path to the west and continue along the route to the finish. Those who find the official start too difficult can join the route at the point of its moderate descent.

Climbing sets can be hired free of charge at the summit station of the Penken Kombibahn by leaving an identity card/passport or driving license as a deposit.

Alpine via ferrata "Gerlossteinwand"

The members of the Zell mountain rescue team put their hearts and souls and a lot of material (450 metres of steel rope, 300 grips, 230 rope clips, 150 anchors) into building the Gerlossteinwand via ferrata

The new 380 metres long via ferrata leads along a 240 meter high wall on the “Gerlossteinwand”. It doesn't only offer Alpine pleasures, but also leads to one of the valley's most beautiful peaks. Introductory trial climbs for beginners are offered on the new route, categorized as medium difficult, which was constructed by the local mountain rescue team, in cooperation with the Zillertal Arena. The local alpine sports schools provide expert tips and accompany beginners on the climb, which can be comfortably reached with the Gerlosstein cable car.

• Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
• Access point: About 45 minutes from the mountain station of the “Gerlossteinbahn” cable car
• Descent: Via “Heimjöchl: 1.5 hours or the hiking trail: 1 hour
• Length: 380 meters
• Altitude difference: 240 metres
• Elevation of starting point: 1,898 metres
• Summit: 2,166 metres
• Location: North face (“Nordwand”)

For more information, please visit  www.mayrhofen.at