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Baltschieder via ferrata to the "Wiwannihütte"

Via Ferrata · Valais

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Valais/Wallis Promotion

/ Baltschiedertal via ferrata with access to the "Wiwannihütte"
Photo: Valais/Wallis Promotion
/ Wiwanni via ferrata
Photo: Valais/Wallis Promotion

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A two-hour hike leads to the start of the via ferrata, with its 1,400 vertical metres of ascent. After the taxing climb up to the Wiwannihütte, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the region’s 4,000-metre peaks.

difficult

15.7 km

8:00 h

1,500 m

1,512 m

You reach the well isolated valley called "Baltschiedertal" by the historical water channel "Niwärch" which dates from 1370. From there, the path to the beginning of the Via Ferrata is well signposted (white-blue-white signs). The route leads you above steep rocks, grassy parts and an impressive tor to the Wiwanni lodge. The route is situated in a nature reserve and the UNESCO world heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch Region. The tour is only recommended if the weather is fine. At the beginning of summer, some snow can be remaining from the winter months.

Author’s recommendation

If you prefer not to do the full tour in a day, enjoy the hospitality offered by the Wiwannihütte and its impressive views.

Difficulty

C/D difficult

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Risk potential

Highest point

Wiwannihütte, 2,484 m

Lowest point

Ausserberg, 1,018 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Exposition / cardinal direction

Access

400 m, 2:00 h

Wall height

800 m

Climbing length

1,000 m, 3:00 h

Descent

1,500 m, 3:00 h

Safety information

Weather conditions: before setting off to tackle a via ferrata, it is important to check the weather forecast. Bad conditions can make climbing dangerous – particularly in stormy weather.

Rockfalls: because of the risk of falling rocks – usually caused by climbers higher up or by animals – all climbers are strongly advised to wear a helmet.

Safety: always leave sufficient distance between yourself and the climber ahead. There should never be more than one person between two anchor points.

Tips, hints and links

Rental:

Egon Feller, mountain guide

Find more information about the destination here:

Sonnige Halden

Start

Ausserberg train station (1,019 m)

Coordinates:

46.315766, 7.852330

DMS

46°18'56.8"N 7°51'08.4"E

UTM

32T 411640 5129772

w3w

///zinc.joys.looked

Destination

Ausserberg train station

Turn-by-turn directions

From Ausserberg railway station, follow the Niwärch “bisse” (irrigation channel) into the Baltschieder valley (Baltschiedertal). After about two hours of hiking and a stream crossing, an alpine trail marked white-blue-white leads up steep, rocky slopes to the start of the via ferrata.

The ascent begins with a steep climb, steps in the rock and some couloirs, and then a rock pillar – worth a stop for photos. This is followed by a very exposed passage in a cleft, then some boulders and a grassy ridge before the climb to the Wiwannihütte. For the descent, follow the trail marked white-red-white to Grieläger and then across the forest as far as the avalanche prevention barriers. Alternatively you can take the long and challenging route via “Nasenlöcher”, but this is recommended only for climbers taking two days for the trip. This thrilling descent requires certain alpine experience, a head torch, and climbing equipment including rope and carabiners.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Hourly train connections with the "Lötschberger" train from Bern or Brig to Ausserberg.

Getting there

Coming from Sion and Brig, take the highway A9 and follow the cantonal road 9 direction to Visp. Then turn right to the village of Baltschieder from where the road leads to Ausserberg.

Parking

Parking at the train station of Ausserberg

Coordinates

46.315766, 7.852330

DMS

46°18'56.8"N 7°51'08.4"E

UTM

32T 411640 5129772

w3w

///zinc.joys.looked

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Eugen E. Hüsler, Daniel Anker : Die Klettersteige der Schweiz

Author’s map recommendations

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1288 Raron

Equipment

All climbers must wear a harness. Because of the risk of falling rocks along the route, a helmet is also essential. Ensure you have sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, and bring a small rucksack with water and a snack. A suitable pair of gloves will protect your fingers and knuckles from grazes.

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Photos from others

Difficulty

C/D difficult

Distance

15.7 km

Duration

8:00h

Ascent

1,500 m

Descent

1,512 m

Loop Scenic Refreshment stops available Geological highlights Faunistic highlights Insider tip Completely cable-secured

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