From Austria’s longest and most demanding Via Ferrata “the Priel,” to the infamous “Sky Ladder,” there are an estimated 400 via ferratas scattered throughout the alpine landscape. These routes vary in difficulty and length, appealing to climbers of all skill levels, from first-timers to advanced mountaineers.

By definition– Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route found in the Alps that includes steel fixtures such as cables and railings to arrest the effect of any fall, which the climber can either hold onto or clip into using climbing protection. By our experience, it is the juxtaposition of adrenaline, fear, and triumph. It’s hours of being suspended high above the ground, gripping steel cables with your hands, and boots jabbing into the rocky mountain wall. It's the rush of conquering towering cliffs, defying gravity, and pushing personal boundaries.

For nearly three years, Eric and I have scaled the walls of these mountains in search of the best views and heart-pumping climbs. In this guide, we will share what you need to have to climb, some general insight on climbing, and Via Ferratas in Austria you need to add to your list.

Via Ferrata Gear List

• Via Ferrata Climbing set (Helmet, Harness, Carabiners) - Because you have to have this to climb

• Durable shoes - Because planting your feet firmly on the rock requires good traction

• Gloves - Because the steel cables are rough on your hands.

• Waterbottle - Because you burn roughly 660 calories/hour and will need to stay hydrated

• Gore-Tex jacket - Because the weather is unpredictable in the mountains and is windier at the top

• Snacks - Because the best part after reaching the top is reaching for your snacks

• Charged mobile phone - Because you may need to look for directions or call for help

• Photography equipment - Because this sport has some incredible views

• First Aid kit - Because sometimes you get blisters or your knees scrape the side of the mountain

• Sunblock - Because there’s rarely shade on the side of a mountain

• Sunglasses - Because it’s bright out there

• Printed topo map - Because sometimes you may need to refer back to it

• Backpack - Because everything we’ve mentioned in this list will need to fit inside this backpack

Things to Know

1. Bergsteigen will be your best friend when searching for new routes and topo maps

2. In case of an emergency on the mountain, dial 112

3. Always wear a helmet. You never know when rocks will fall from above.

4. Leave enough space between you and the next climber so that if you slip, you don’t take out the person below you.

5. Choose a route that is appropriate to your level because there’s no going back down until you’ve reached the top.

6. Check the weather. Via Ferrata routes get very slippery when wet and it is not recommended to do Via Ferrata in the rain. And if a storm is forecast, definitely stay at home! All that metal on top of the mountain is very prone to lightning strikes.

7. Ferrata season usually begins in late May and ends in early October, depending on snow conditions.

8. If you are new to via ferratas or want to try out a more challenging and adventurous route, we recommend going with a Manawa guide for an added layer of safety. Manawa is a leading online platform for booking outdoor and adventure activities worldwide and works with reputable local guides and holding them to high standards, ensuring a quality experience for all participants. Scroll to the bottom of this list to see our selection of recommended guided climbs!

Donnerkogel - Sky Ladder

Perhaps the most iconic Via Ferrata in Austria, and maybe even Europe, is the Sky Ladder. We’ve admired this route for years, squinting our eyes from below along the trail around Gosausee. After three years of looking up at it, we are thrilled to share that we completed it in July 2024. While the route is relatively easy, the wind can be quite strong in the middle of the ladder. The 90-minute hike back down is a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely worth the hype.

Parking lot: Gosaukammbahn
Via Ferrata Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: C/D
Click here for the topo
Best season: Summer
Week we climbed: Week 193

Alberfeldkogel

Climbing the ridge along the Alberfeldkogel Via Ferrata has been on our list for years. After hiking to the summit cross twice and snowshoeing once, we finally made it up this rocky spine. It was a bit more challenging than we anticipated and tricky to find the entrance, but the lack of crowds made it all the more enjoyable.

Parking lot: Feuerkogel cable car Ebensee
Via Ferrata Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: C
Click here for the topo
Best season: Summer
Week we climbed: Week 195

Marokka

If you are staying at Wildseeloderhaus or hiking around it, this ferrata is a must. We were the only two people on this route which was a treat. No waiting for people ahead of us and no rushing for the people behind us and loads of extra picture taking time. Overall an easy route with a fun rope bridge crossing and stunning views of the Fieberbrunn mountains.

Parking lot: Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn - (We slept at Wildseeloderhaus, so started from there)
Via Ferrata Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: C
Click here for the topo
Best season: Summer
Week we climbed: Week 191

Stuibenfall

Tirol's biggest waterfall is also home to a thrilling Via Ferrata route. If climbing up a wall next to rushing waters sounds like a good time, head over to Stuibenfall.

Parking lot: Parkplatz Bischofsplatz
Via Ferrata Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: B/C
Click here for the topo
Best season: Winter and Spring
Week we climbed: Week 62

Katrin

After a 15 minute ride in a charming 4-seater cable car to the top of the Katrin mountain and a 45 minute hike to the start of the cables, The Katrin Via Ferrata will fulfill all your climbing desires.

Parking lot: Katrin cable car station. Free parking if you purchase a roundtrip cable car ticket.
Via Ferrata Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: B/C
Click here for the topo 
Best season: Summer
Week we climbed: Week 81
Cable car Price: €23/person

Beisteinmauer

While not the most beautiful in terms of views, this unique via Ferrata is one of the only ferratas in Austria open in March at the edge of the Kalkapen National Park. Just before you reach the top, make sure to shimmy over to the bench that is anchored into the wall.

Parking lot: There is a small paid parking lot at the base of the wall.
Via Ferrata Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: B/C
Click here for the topo
Best season: Spring
Week we climbed: Week 74

Mein Land Dein Land

This canyon Ferrata was an easy one and easily one of our favorites. Mein Land Dein Land is one of three climbing routes leading up to the Predigtstuhl–a mountain peak near Bad Goisern, near Hallstatt.

Parking lot: Gasthof Predigtstuhl
Via Ferrata Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: B/C
Click here for the topo
Best season: Summer
Week we climbed: Week 86

Laserer Alpin

As if Gosau was not already our favorite in terms of hiking and mountain views, it also offers an epic Via Ferrata. Two actually. The route takes you over the water, onto ladders, and across a suspension rope while hikers below stop and watch.

Parking lot: Gosau
Via Ferrata Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: C
Click here for the topo
Best season: Spring and Summer
Week we climbed: Week 78

Postalmklamm

This C-level Via Ferrata features a stunning gorge, challenging rock formations, 7 bridges, and a waterfall providing a memorable and thrilling experience for all who dare go through it.

Parking lot: Klettersteig Postalmklamm Parkplatz, Weißenbach 57, 5350 Strobl
Via Ferrata Duration: 4.5 hours
Difficulty: C/D with F Variant
Click here for the topo
Best season: Summer
Week we climbed: Week 143

Guided Climb Recommendations with Manawa

The 5 summits of Achensee via ferrata

Click here for the topo
Click here to book a guided climb

Zimmereben Via Ferrata

Click here for the topo
Click here to book a guided climb

Lehner Wasserfall Via Ferrata

Click here for the topo
Click here to book a guided climb

Here are a few more ferratas we plan to climb over the next year! If you do it before us, let us know how it goes in the comments below or on Instagram.

Drachenwand
Salzburg City Wall
Loser - Sissi
Galitzenklamm
Burg Riegersburg
Klamml – Wilder Kaiser
Arlberger St. Anton