Fixed rope routes

Baltschieder via ferrata to Wiwannihütte

Klettersteig Baltschiedertal

Ausserberg

2/12°

Open

After a two-hour hike to the entrance, the via ferrata demands everything from you with its 1400 meters of elevation difference! The strenuous ascent to the Wiwannihütte is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding four-thousanders.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

15.72 km

Duration

8:00 h
Klettersteig Baltschiedertal mit Aufstieg zur Wiwannihütte
Klettersteig Baltschiedertal

Description

You reach the Baltschiedertal valley via the historic Niwärch water pipe from the year 1370. The turnoff to the via ferrata is well marked (white-blue-white). The route then leads over steep rocks, grassy bands, as well as a spectacular rock tower up to the Wiwannihütte. The route is located in a landscape protection area and in the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch region. The route is only recommended in safe weather. Early summer may still have snowfields.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Ausserberg station, you reach the Baltschiedertal valley leisurely via the Niwärch Suone. After approximately a two-hour hike, turn left after crossing a tributary of the Baltschiederbach twice (blue-white-blue alpine hiking trail) and reach the start of the via ferrata. The route offers diverse sections – climbers pass through grooves and climb the distinctive ridge tower, where a short stop for a souvenir photo is definitely worthwhile. You ultimately reach the exit over exposed rocks, from where the hut can be reached in a short walk. For the descent, follow the white-red-white path towards Grieläger and then through the open larch forest and along avalanche barriers, always downhill towards Ausserberg. Alternatively, you can descend via the adventurous and correspondingly longer route via "Nasenlöcher" – this alternative is recommended only for two-day routes. Alpine experience as well as a headlamp, rope, and carabiner for securing are necessary for this descent.

Start

Ausserberg station (1019m)

Destination

Ausserberg station (1018m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

Those who do not trust themselves to complete the entire route in one day or want to enjoy the view and hospitality at the Wiwannihütte can stay overnight in the hut with 30 beds.

Technical information

Altitude

2484m

1018m

Ascent

+1500m

Descent

-1466m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Completely cable-secured
Getting there
Information

Public transport

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

Approach

From Sion and Brig via motorway A9 and cantonal road 9 to Visp. Then via Baltschieder to Ausserberg.

Parking

Parking Ausserberg station

Equipment

A waist harness with a via ferrata set for self-protection is mandatory for using a via ferrata. Due to the danger of falling rocks, wearing a helmet is also a must.

Pay attention to good footwear, appropriate clothing, and sufficient provisions. Gloves provide additional protection for fingers and joints and prevent abrasions.

Safety information

Weather: Those on via ferratas should consider weather forecasts. A sudden deterioration in weather can be life-threatening. Via ferratas must be avoided in case of thunderstorm risk.

Falling rock danger: On via ferratas, there is the danger of falling rocks, mostly triggered by preceding climbers or wild animals. Therefore, protect yourself with a helmet.

Securing: When using a via ferrata, always ensure enough distance to the preceding climber is maintained. Only one person should be in an anchoring section at a time.

Additional information

Access only possible with a mountain guide.

Equipment rental:

  • Egon Feller, mountain guide

More information about the destination can be found here:

Literature

Eugen E. Hüsler, Daniel Anker: The Via Ferratas of Switzerland

Maps

Topographic maps Swisstopo 1:25,000: 1288 Raron

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

Your accommodation in Valais

Search