The Ötztal is THE (granite) climbing region par excellence in Tyrol. In no other valley are dreamlike climbing areas and via ferrata as close together as in the Ötztal. In 19 climbing gardens you can live out your vertical urge on around 750 routes. 8 via ferrata routes and an abundance of multi-pitch tours make you fit in the rock. The certified local climbing and mountain guides, who will accompany you on your way up, will make sure of that. You will also learn from the best during the annual Ötztal climbing camp. The enormous climbing competence of the region is also expressed in the specialized climbing accommodations.
You don't go drinking coffee after climbing. Drinking coffee is an integral part of climbing.
Hundreds of perfectly secured sports climbing routes of all levels of difficulty, spread over 19 climbing gardens from the valley entrance near Haiming to the valley end in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, make the Ötztal an El Dorado for all rock sports enthusiasts. The solid granite rock is predominant, and climbing cracks on Tyrol's longest side valley particularly appreciate it. Beginners and families with children will find perfect conditions in the Oberried climbing garden, for example, to venture into the vertical for the first time, while ambitious climbers will find their luck - and their projects - in the Niederthai and Nösslach areas.
First time in the climbing hall. I was told to abseil first.
Now I am banned from the house
In close touch with the Ötztal mountains: secured on a wire rope, Ötztal’s 8 via ferratas take you (steeply) uphill. Stepladders cut into in the rock show you the way to the top, quite a few key sections require strength, skill and courage. You will cross rope bridges, climb along waterfalls and conquer steel ladders. Beginner-friendly and well secured trails are also suitable for children, introducing them to climbing sports safely and in a playful way – for example along the Stuibenfall via ferrata, Tirol's biggest waterfall. Real experts and connoisseurs enjoy spectacular opportunities on Burgsteinwand rock wall in Längenfeld or in the rear Ötztal.
3 Via ferrata tips in Ötztal
Ötztal offers the right climbing route for via ferrata fans of all ability levels - as an example of the versatile offer, we will present three of them:
For children & beginners: Stuibenfall Via Ferrata
The scenic via ferrata at the 159 meter high Stuiben Falls (Tirol's biggest waterfall) in Umhausen-Niederthai is probably the easiest within the area as it features a climbing length of only 450 meters. However, it is one of the most spectacular: Even the access route leads over a rope bridge and into a fairytale forest – only later you reach the impressive walls before getting in touch with the water spray of the Stuiben Falls. A tightrope walk over the roaring waters is included but only if you want! For children (from 10 years onwards, incl. additional safety rope) and beginners the via ferrata is well suited since there are many stepladders. All details about the Stuibenfall Via Ferrata can be found HERE.
More beginner and family-friendly via ferrata routes: Haiming / Geierwand Via Ferrata which also offers a midi and mini variant; Zirbenwald Via Ferrata in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl (suitable for children over 10 years); Moosalm Via Ferrata in Sölden with alternative and easy exit.
For advanced climbers: Reinhard Schiestl Via Ferrata
Awe inspiring: The Reinhard-Schiestl via ferrata on the almost vertical Burgsteinwand rock wall near Längenfeld is a difficult via ferrata tour for real aficionados. Beautifully exposed, equipped with many stepladders and two rest areas, this climbing adventure offers superb views of Ötztal. All important details about the via ferrata on Burgsteinwand can be found HERE.
For true experts conquering new heights: Schwärzenkamm Via Ferrata
A wonderful panoramic via ferrata at the heart of Obergurgl’s glacier world. Although the route has no unconquerable difficulties it is fairly challenging and requires climbing experience due to its high Alpine and north-facing location. Two emergency exits also make it possible to shorten the route. Special tip: You can easily reach Langtalereckütte by (E)bike, from where you continue on foot to the via ferrata’s access point. More details about the Schwärzenkamm via ferrata can be found HERE.
To make your holiday as pleasant as possible, enjoy the advantages of our qualified climbing accommodation:
You can find more information about climbing in the Ötz Valley here:
Climbing in Sölden
Climbers Paradise
A list of the climbing schools in the Ötztal can be found on the following page of Ötztal Tourism: