Fixed rope routes

Baltschieder via ferrata to the "Wiwannihütte"

Ausserberg

-2/7°

Closed

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.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

15.72 km

Duration

8:00 h

Klettersteig Baltschiedertal mit Aufstieg zur Wiwannihütte

Description

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.

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.

Start

Ausserberg train station (1019m)

Destination

Ausserberg train station (1018m)

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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.

Technical information

Altitude

2484m

1018m

Ascent

+1500m

Descent

-1466m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

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

Approach

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

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion