If you live close to the mountains in Germany, trying VIA FERRATA, Klettersteig in German, must be on your bucket list. It’s definitely one of the best things I’ve tried in Germany.

In this blog, I’ll explain the basics of Via Ferrata, I’ll show you what the Via Ferrata gear looks like, where you can rent it or buy it, and the top 3 best Via Ferrata routes for beginners in Bavaria.

I encourage you to try it. First, the view is always breathtaking from the Via Ferrata trails. Second, after completing a Via Ferrata trail, you will feel a better and stronger person: You will feel more confident and mentally stronger.

Via Ferrata is actually an Italian word that means iron rope and refers to a climbing route. This Italian word is used everywhere in the world except in the german speaking countries where the word Klettersteig is used. The German Klettersteig expression means climbing path.

This word Via Ferrata is basically a climbing route with steel cables, rungs, pegs, carved steps, ladders or bridges that are fixed to rocks to which climbers attach their own harness with two lashes. The harness helps the climbers to secure themselves to any of these iron or metal fixtures in order to not fall down while climbing.

The Via Ferrata trails area is classified by difficulty level. The easiest one is the A level and the most difficult one is the F level.

As this blog is for beginners, I will only show you A and B level Via Ferrata routes.

I can really recommend that you start with Via Ferrata the way I did it. When I researched the routes, I considered the difficulty level and the scenery.

Via Ferrata is not something, you should do alone. If you don’t have friends who do Via Ferrata, you can join Hiking Buddies Munich where you can organize or participate in Via Ferrata events.

The distance below refers to the entire hike and not only the Via Ferrata. For the details, keep reading this guide.

1. Gelbe Wand Klettersteig: Level A/B, ~3 h 30 mins
2. Mittenwalder Höhenweg Klettersteig: Level B, ~6 hours
3. Ettaler Manndl: Level A/B, ~3 h 30 mins
4. Kleiner Jenner: Level B, ~2 hours
5. Alpspitze Klettersteig: Level B, ~4 hours

The Gelbe Wand is one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Bavaria and one of the most beautiful Via Ferrata routes in Germany.

Choose the Gelbe Wand as your first Via Ferrata trail. It’s the best place for practicing how to connect yourself to the iron rope and fixtures that are attached to the mountain or rocks.

GELBE WAND KLETTERSTEIG KLETTERSTEIG SUMMARY

Difficulty level: A/B; very easy
Hike duration incl. Via Ferrata: ~2 hours
Via Ferrata length: 400 m / 0,248 mi
Trailhead: Oberer Tegelberg Parkplatz at 810 meters / 2,657 feet
Highest altitude: 1,707 m / 5,600 ft
Elevation: 925 m / 3,304 ft

WHERE IS THE GELBE WAND VIA FERRATA ROUTE

It starts at the Tegelbergbahn Talstation (valley station) at 830 m (2723 ft) and ends at the top of Tegelbergbahn at 1720 m (5643 ft). All the way up, the vista is breathtaking.

THE GELBE WAND VIA FERRATE ROUTE

The trail I took is a very easy A/B-level Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) trail. It’s an approximately 5 km trail that you can complete in a maximum of 3 hours.

The most awesome part of the trail is the beginning where you can walk on a cool rope bridge.

MITTENWALDER HÖHENWEG KLETTERSTEIG SUMMARY

Difficulty: Via Ferrata B level; easy
Hike duration: ~6-7 hours
Distance incl Via Ferrata: ~12,6 km / 78 mi
Trailhead: Mountain station of the Karwendelbahn cable car at 2,244 meters / 7,362 feet
Highest altitude: 2,374 meters / 7,788 feet
Elevation difference in total: ~200 m / 656 ft

WHERE IS THE HÖHENWEG KLETTERSTEIG TRAIL

The Mittenwalder Höhenweg which is also known as Mittenwalder Klettersteig is situated along the western part of the Karwendel Range in Bavaria.

MITTENWALDER HÖHENWEG KLETTERSTEIG TRAIL

The beginning of the trail is already breathtaking. Already at the very start, I was so happy to be there.

Stunning view after the first couple of meters from the starting point of the Mittenwalder Höhenweg Via Ferrata trail

As you can see in the next pictures, not the entire trail has Via Ferrata parts. Certain parts of the trail have Via Ferrata ropes and on some parts, you will be only walking.

The following part was probably the best part. It was so beautiful and exciting to go along or between the huge rocks of the mountain.

This is a part, somewhere after 2-3 hours after we started the hike.  Here, you can take a break.

And this was an exciting part again, where we could walk up using the pegs in rock and climb up on a ladder.

BEST TIME TO DO THE MITTENWALDER HÖHENWEG VIA FERRATA

The Karwendelbahn itself is open from around the middle of May to the beginning of November. So, during this time you can consider this Via Ferrata hike.

As for the best time to do the Mittenwalder Höhenweg Via Ferrata, it is definitely summer as the weather is the best and the scenery is the most beautiful in summer.

The first cable car going up in the morning is at 8:30. It’s good to be there early as around 10 am, there will be a lot of people already making the parking lot full and lining up for the cable car.

HOW TO GET TO THE MITTENWALDER HÖHENWEG

First, you have to travel to the valley station (Talstation) of the Karwendelbahn cable car, then take the cable car. From the mountain station (Bergstation) of the cable car, you can start the hike.

By car: Drive to Karwendelbahn Parking Lot in Mittenwald. From Innsbruck, it’s only 42 km / 26 miles and from Munich, it’s about 110 km / 68 miles by car one way.

By public transport from Munich: Take the train to Mittenwald and then walk 10 minutes to reach the Karwendelbahn Parking Lot.

Best ticket option: Bayern Ticket

Check the train schedule, here, on the website of Deutsche Bahn.

FOOD ON THE WAY

Only at the very beginning and end of the hiking trail, there is an alpine hut to eat. Thus, make sure you have snacks and a lot of water for the entire hike. In Summertime, you will need at least 3 liters of water.

BUDGET SUMMARY

Fuel: ~50 € per car in total from Munich and back

Karwendelbahn cable car ticket price: 25.90 € / adult / one-way

Train Ticket: The price of the train ticket depends on how many of you travel together. If you are five friends traveling together, you pay 13.80 € per person.

For 1 person: 29 €
For 2 persons: 39 € / 19.50 € per person
For 3 persons: 49 € / 16.30 € per person
For 4 persons: 59 € / 14.75 € per person
For 5 persons: 69 € / 13.80 € per person

ETTALER MANNDL KLETTERSTEIG SUMMARY

Difficulty level: A / B
Route: From Ettal Abbey to Ettaler Manndl and back
Hiking time: ~4 hours out of which 45 minutes is Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata length: 530 m / 0,330 mi
Elevation difference in total: 780 m / 2,559 ft
Highest altitude: 1,633 m / 5,357 ft

WHERE IS THE ETTALER MANNDL VIA FERRATA TRAIL

This awesome hiking trail is situated near the lovely Bavarian town of Ettal in the Ammergau Alps and about 10 km from Garmisch Partenkirchen.

THE ETTALER MANNDL FERRATA TRAIL

The trail is very easy but it’s really steep. So, during climbing, you need to be focused. I was a bit nervous at times but I took this new challenge pretty well.

The view is absolutely magnificent from the climbing route.

Once you are on the top of Ettaler Manndl, you are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view over the Wetterstein Mountains and the foothills of the Bavarian Alps.

Descending is interesting too but manageable.

BEST TIME TO DO THE ETTALER MANNDL FERRATA

As for the best time to do the  Ettaler Manndl Ferrata, it is definitely summer as that is the time when the weather is the best for Via Ferrata.

Some of my friends did it in wintertime. Of course, in that case, the via ferrata trail is not suitable for beginners.

I did it at the very end of May which is probably the first suitable time for climbing to the top of the Ettaler Manndl.

HOW TO GET TO THE ETTALER MANNDL FERRATA

In any case, first, you need to travel to the direction of Ettal which is about 90 km / 61 miles from Munich.

By car: If you travel by car, enter Mandlweg, 82488 Ettal, Deutschland in your navi.

By public transport from Munich: To get there, take the bus 9622 to Klostergasthof, Ettal. If you travel there from Munich, you will take the train first in the direction of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then you will probably have to change for the bus in Oberau or Oberammergau.

Best ticket option: Bayern Ticket

Check the train schedule, here, on the website of Deutsche Bahn.

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION AFTER HIKING

We tried the Klosterbräu restaurant in Ettal. It’s the yellow building just across Ettal Abbey.

I tried their Klosterspäzle (13.90 €) which was amazing.

BUDGET SUMMARY

Fuel: ~50 € per car in total from Munich and back + parking fee

Regio-Ticket Werdenfels:

The price depends on how many of you are traveling together.

For 1 person: 26 €
For 2 persons: 34 € / 17 € per person
For 3 persons: 42 € / 14 € per person
For 4 persons: 50 € / 12.50 € per person
For 5 persons: 58 € / 11.60 € per person

High on the Schützensteig Klettersteig / Kleiner Jenner with a view over Lake Königssee

KLEINER JENNER KLETTERSTEIG SUMMARY

Difficulty level: A / B
Climbing time: ~3 h 30 mins: 1 hour Via Ferrata + 2 h 30 mins hiking down
Via Ferrata length: 330 m / 1,082 ft
Elevation difference in total: ~630 m / 2,066 ft
Highest altitude: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft

WHERE IS THE KLEINER JENNER VIA FERRATA TRAIL

This awesome hiking trail is situated near the breathtaking Königssee Lake.

The hike starts from the Jenner Aussichtsplattform (Jennerbahn Viewing Platform) close to the Jennerbahn Berg Station (Jennerbahn Top Station).

THE KLEINER JENNER FERRATA TRAIL

Before you start the Via Ferrata, walk to the Jenner Aussichtsplattform from which you can enjoy the mind-blowing vista over Lake Königssse.
Then, walk back to the cable car and take the hiking route. The signs will show you the hiking trail called: Schützensteig-Klettersteig. A couple of minutes later, it will be on your left.

The map of Schützensteig Klettersteig / Kleiner Jenner Via Ferrata trail

The first exciting challenge was a short flying fox. It’s very short but it felt terrifying. Luckily, there were experienced hikers there who explained how to attach yourself to the flying fox.

I was so scared to do it even though I have done it many times both in the Kletterwald in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Kletterwald in the Alpsee Bergwelt.

In the end, I understood there was nothing to be afraid of. It was really easy and fun.

The part following is super exciting because you are walking on a very tall wall. It could be maybe 150 m (492 ft) tall.

There is a really cute bridge on the way from which the view is breathtaking.

The following part had foot pegs for the way up. It was pretty easy to use them.

The higher you get, the more incredible the view gets and the higher you climb the more exciting the trail becomes.

BEST TIME TO DO THE KLEINER JENNER VIA FERRATA

As for the best time to do the Kleiner Jenner Ferrata, it is definitely summer as that is the time when the weather is the best for Via Ferrata.

HOW TO GET TO THE KLEINER JENNER VIA FERRATA

FIRST STEP: GETTING TO JENNERBAHN, SCHÖNAU AM KÖNIGSSEE

First, you need to travel in the direction of Schönau am Königsse which is about 142 km / 88 miles from Munich.

By car: If you travel by car, enter Parkplatz Königssee, Jennerbahn in your navi. This is where you can park your car.

Parking for more than 3 hours costs 9 €.

By public transport: To get there, you will travel to Jennerbahn, Schönau a. Königssee by train and bus.

The quickest route by regional train is the one to Berchtesgaden through Freilassing by train and then from Berchtesgaden to Jennerbahn, Schönau a. Königssee with bus 841.

Best ticket option: Bayern Ticket

You can check the schedule right away!

Check the train schedule, here, on the website of Deutsche Bahn.

SECOND STEP: GETTING TO THE TOP STATION OF THE JENNERBAHN CABLE CAR

Take the Jennerbahn cable car from the valley station (Jennerbahn Talstation) to the top station (Jennerbahn Bergstation).

Jennerbahn Ticket price one way: 32 €

Buy a ticket in advance to avoid queuing up, here.

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION AFTER HIKING

The plan was to have lunch on the way down after climbing in Mitterkaseralm but in the end, we had an early dinner at the valley station of the Jennerbahn cable car.

The lovely restaurant where we dined is called Jenner-Kaser.

I tried Erbeerscharm mit Eis and I loved it. It’s basically Kaiserschmarrn with strawberry and ice cream.

BUDGET SUMMARY

Fuel: ~50 € per car in total from Munich and back

Train Ticket: The price of the Bayern ticket depends on how many of you travel together. If you are five friends traveling together, you pay 13.80 € per person.

For 1 person: 29 €
For 2 persons: 39 € / 19.50 € per person
For 3 persons: 49 € / 16.30 € per person
For 4 persons: 59 € / 14.75 € per person
For 5 persons: 69 € / 13.80 € per person

Jennerbahn Ticket price one way: 32 €

Exciting via ferrata and spectacular mountain view from the Alpspitze klettersteig trail

Klettersteig Alpspitze, also know as the Alpspitz Ferrata is one of the most famous Via Ferrata trails in Germany.

The Alpspitze is one of the most famous and dramatic mountains in Bavaria. It is part of the Nortnern Limestone Alps. Its highest peak is as and it’s high as 2,628 m (8,622 ft). ther are both hiking trails and klettersteig route leading to the the top of Alpspitze.

ALPSPITZE KLETTERSTEIG SUMMARY

Difficulty level: B
Climbing time: 20 mins walk + ~2 hours Via Ferrata + ~2 h 30 mins hiking on the way back (medium difficult)
Via Ferrata length: 530 m / 0,330 mi
Elevation difference in total: 600 m / 1,968 ft
Highest altitude: 2,628 m / 8,622 ft

WHERE IS THE ALPSPITZ FERRATA TRAIL

This epic trail is situated near the gorgeous Bavarian town of Garmisch Partenirchen and pretty close to the German-Austria border.

The via ferrata trail starts close to the the top station of the Alpspitzbahn Cable Car at Osterfelderkopf situated at an altitude of 2,057 m (6,749 ft).

HOW TO GET TO THE ALPSPITZ FERRATA

STEP 1 – GETTING TO ALPSPITZBAHN CABLE CAR

In any case, first, you need to travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen which is about 90 km / 55 miles from Munich and 63 km / 39 miles from Innsbruck.

By car: If you travel by car, park your car in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the station and then take the Cogwheel Train (Zahnradbahn) to Kreuzeck-/Alpspitzbahn.

By public transport from Munich: Take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then take the Cogwheel Train (Zahnradbahn) to the Kreuzeck-/Alpspitzbahn station.

In case, you just missed the cogwheel train and you don’t want to wait, it takes 50 minutes to walk to the cable car station.

Best ticket option: Bayern Ticket

Check the train schedule to GP, here, on the website of Deutsche Bahn.

STEP 2 – TAKE THE ALPSPITZE CABLE CAR

Make sure, you take the Alpspitzbahn cable car and not the Kreuzeckbahn cable car.  they are quite close to each other.

STEP 3 – GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD OF THE ALPSPITZ FERRATA

Once you reach Osterfelderkopf with the cable car, follow the  signs showing the Alpspitze Ferrata. You have to walk about 20 minutes to get to the trailhead of the Alpspitze Klettersteig trail.

ALPSPITZE KLETTERSTEIG TRAIL

The trail is very easy and spectacular. There are ladders and pegs on the way.

It’s really rocky terrain.

Climbing up the Alpspitze klettersteig trail

As you get higher, the view gets more and more dramatic and the trail feels more and more exciting.

Very close to the top of Alpspitze follwoing the klettersteig trail

On the top of Alpspitze, you can relax, have lunch and get ready for hiking down.

On the top of Alpspitze follwoing the klettersteig trail at 2,628 m / 8,622 ft

GETTING BACK TO GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN

To get back to the starting point, the top station of the Alpspitzbahn cable car, you will take the hiking route. It’s a pretty strenuous  hike. The klettersteig was much easier than this trial. Here, you will keep walking down on stones and rocks and it’s quite tiring.

This part has also via ferrata elements but you can manage climbing down there without the via ferrata gear.

The hiking route from the top of Alpspitze (2,628 m / 8,622 ft) back to Osterfelderkopf (2,057 m / 6,749 ft)

BEST TIME TO DO THE ALPSPITZ FERRATA

As for the best time to do the Alpspitze Ferrata, it is definitely summer as that is the time when the weather is the best for Via Ferrata.

The first cable car going up in the morning is at 8:30 in June and 8:00 from July to September.

4.1. VIA FERRATA KIT

This is actually what I did from day one because I knew I wanted to do Via Ferrata more than once. These are the three most important things for your Via Ferrata gear.

There are a lot of good brands for making Via Ferrata climbing equipment. I use Salewa and Edelrid and I am really happy with them. Both the Salewa and Edelrid Via Ferrata set are very good quality.

• Harness: This is the link between you and the ropes.
• Via Ferrata Set: This will keep you from falling.
• Helmet: This will protect your head from falls and rockfalls.

I bought them separately. But you can actually buy everything in one package, like this Edelrid climbing set.

The brands that I use are really good brands and it was worth paying for them. I can say that I made a really good investment with the products I purchased for Via Ferrata climbing.

4. 2. WHAT TO WEAR

• Best and most suitable hiking boots. I highly recommend the brand Mammut. That’s what I’m also wearing.
• Hiking backpack: Try not to pack much but you really need a backpack for climbing.
• Gloves: To protect your hands while using the ropes.
• Hiking socks
• Comfortable leggings and shirt

4.3. PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

• iPhone It’s the best camera for taking quick photos and recording videos quickly while hiking.
• Mobile phone chain: This is very practical if you want to take photos while climbing or hiking. I’m always wearing it. This way I can quickly take photos and I will never drop or lose it while hiking or traveling.
• GoPro Hero 7: It’s the best camera for adventure photography.
• Power bank: If you want to take a lot of photos and make videos, a power bank is essential to keep your phone constantly charged.

4.4. WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE IN YOUR BACKPACK

• Rain-jacket: Before your trip, check if you need a light rain jacket
• Sun protection cream: In summer, in the mountains, the sun is very strong, and regardless of what type of skin type you have, you need to protect your skin from the strong traditions of the sun.
• Sunglasses
• First Aid Kit: It might just be a scratch, but in a Via Ferrata you’ll be thankful for a band-aid. A first aid kit should always be in your pack.
• Snacks such as energy bars, fruits, sandwiches
• Water: Bring at least 2 L of water in summer with you.

You can rent a  Via Ferrata Kit at one of the service points of the German Alpine Club called Deutsche Alpeinverein.

You can look for the closest service points to you on their website.  For example, there are two service points in Munich. One of them is  Sporthaus Schuster at Marienplatz and the other is the Globetrotter at Isartor.

You should book your Via Ferrata gear in advance, here, and pick them up from the service points.

6.1. THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER OF THE GERMAN / AUSTRIAN ALPINE CLUB

If you spend a lot of time in the mountains in Germany or Austria, it’s really worth being a  German Alpine Club (Deutsche Alpine Verein) or an Austrian Alpine Verein (Österreichischer Alpenverein) member for a lot of reasons.

I joined them when I started Via Ferrata.

Some of the benefits they offer:

• Worldwide insurance for accidents in the mountains
• Discounts in alpine huts in the Alps in Germany and Austria
• Discounts for renting mountaineering gear in Germany and Austria
• Discounts in climbing halls
• Courses and tours

I use the membership benefit in alpine huts. Starting at 13 €, you can stay in a beautiful alpine hut with incredible scenery such as the Olpererhütte.

6.2. MY ALPINE CLUB REFERENCE NUMBER

If you decided to become a member, refer to me with my membership number: 198/00777956. In that case, they will send me a nice postcard. Thanks a lot in advance. :-)

In my opinion, you should only start via Ferrata if you are already used to the mountains and hiking. You have to become a fit hiker first. For example, if you get tired of a couple of hours of hiking, via Ferrata is not yet for you.

That’s why I prepared a list of destinations for you with hiking options. They will be perfect for you to get used to the mountains.