Physically easy, mentally exciting
On a via ferrata you are clipped to a steel cable for the whole route, so you never depend on your own strength to stay safe. The grade B/C means real rock and real height, with iron rungs and good holds where you need them.
Your legs do most of the work and your arms help with balance. What makes the route feel hard is not the muscles, it is the height and the open space under your feet. That is exactly what makes it such a good experience.
The hardest part: “the slab”
The part guests remember most is what we call “the slab”. First you climb up about 3 metres onto it, then you move across a sloping rock face.
It looks much harder than it is. Physically it is easy, but your head needs a moment to trust your feet and the cable. I stay close, show you where to step and we take it one by one. Once you are across, the rest of the route feels easy.
How long does it take?
The climb itself takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. With the gear, the safety briefing, breaks for photos and the walk back, the whole tour takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes on average.
Big groups or a slower pace can take longer, so plan for 2 to 4 hours and do not book anything right after the tour.
What if I am afraid of heights?
Fear of heights is normal and many of my guests feel it, especially the first time. If it happens, I stop the group and we deal with it together. I use what I have learned from many earlier tours and from the trainings I have done, and most people are surprised how quickly the fear calms down.
Near the start of the route there are points from where we can turn back safely. After those, it is easier to continue up than to go down, so if someone is unsure, we decide early and calmly.
Who can do it?
The youngest guest I have taken on the route was 5 years old and the oldest was 68. Age matters less than staying calm and listening to the guide.
Before we clip into the cable, and again at the first two platforms, I check how everyone is doing. If someone should not continue, I take them back safely to a spot from where they can return on their own, at most about 500 metres back.
For bookings, the minimum age is 7 and guests should weigh between 30 and 130 kg, because of the harness size.
What to wear
The day before the tour I send everyone a message with what to wear, but many guests still come all in black. On sunny rock black heats up fast, so choose light, breathable colours.
Wear hiking shoes or trainers with a good grip, and bring a spare T-shirt, at least 1 litre of water and a small snack. Helmet, harness and the via ferrata set are included.