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Fitness
Via Ferrata

Baltschieder via ferrata to the "Wiwannihütte"

Via Ferrata · Valais
Responsible for this content
 Valais/Wallis Promotion Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Baltschiedertal via ferrata with access to the "Wiwannihütte"
    / 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
1500 m
1512 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, 2484 m
Lowest point
Ausserberg, 1018 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Exposition
NESW
Access
400 m, 2:00 h
Wall height
800 m
Climbing length
1000 m, 3:00 h
Descent
1500 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:

Start

Ausserberg train station (1019 m)
Coordinates:
Geographic
46.315766, 7.852330
UTM
32T 411640 5129772

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
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
1500 m
Descent
1512 m
Loop Scenic Refreshment stops available Geological highlights Faunistic highlights Insider tip Completely cable-secured

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