Fixed rope routes

Belvédère via ferrata

Klettersteig Nax

Nax

-2/4°

Known as one of the easiest via ferratas in Valais, the Belvédère Via Ferrata from Nax/Mont-Noble impresses with a breathtaking view of the Rhône valley.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

1.69 km

Duration

2:00 h
Blick vom Aussichtspunkt Belvédère Richtung Sion
Klettersteig Nax
Klettersteig Nax
Klettersteig Nax
Familienfreundlicher Klettersteig in Nax
Klettersteig Nax
Kletterer auf dem Klettersteig in Nax mit Sicht auf Sion
Kletterer auf dem Klettersteig in Nax
Le naxard couché
Le naxard couché

Description

The start is located at 1000 meters above sea level in the forest below Nax and leads over 220 meters of altitude gain and about 1 hour 30 minutes of walking time directly into the village of Nax. A footpath leads you back from the end of the via ferrata to the start.

Turn-by-turn directions

At the hairpin bend, follow the forest path that leads you along the rock to the start of the via ferrata. The first section is one of the most challenging parts of the route and allows you to directly gain some altitude so that the view is no longer blocked by the trees. Then you cross the rock on a climbing-free section before passing two rope bridges. Next, you conquer a rock nose and climb along the northwest ridge to the exit at 1220 m. From the exit, you continue to ascend via a path to the belvédère, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Rhône valley.

To return to the starting point, you either descend directly on the west side of the route or take the slightly longer path, passing by the campsite. If you arrived by public transport, it is recommended to ascend to the village of Nax, where you have bus connections for the return journey.

Start

Hairpin bend coming from Bramois shortly before Wiler Villetta. (990m)

Destination

Hairpin bend coming from Bramois shortly before Wiler Villetta. (1011m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

Can you spot the lying Naxer? Set out to find the namesake of the village Nax, which probably derives from the word "nose" (Latin Nasus). This nose is visible as a silhouette in the area of the via ferrata - take a look in our photo gallery.

Technical information

Altitude

1229m

977m

Ascent

+269m

Descent

-255m

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
  • Round trip
  • Completely cable-secured
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Hourly bus connections from Sion to Nax

Approach

Arrival via the A9 motorway to Sion until exit 27 (Sion-Est). Continue towards Val d'Hérens and via Route de Chippis and Route de Nax. At the third hairpin bend a metal figure indicates the via ferrata.

Parking

At the hairpin bend just before the start there are some parking spaces available. Alternatively, there is a parking lot at the campsite in the village of Nax - this way you can manage the descent to the start of the via ferrata before the actual route.

Equipment

For walking a via ferrata, a harness with a via ferrata set for self-protection is mandatory. Due to the risk of falling rocks, wearing a helmet is also a must.

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

Safety information

Weather: Those on via ferratas should take weather forecasts into account. A deterioration in weather can be life-threatening. In case of thunderstorm risk, via ferratas must be avoided.

Rockfall hazard: There is a risk of falling rocks on via ferratas, mostly triggered by preceding climbers or wild animals. Protect yourself with a helmet.

Safety: When walking a via ferrata, always maintain enough distance to the climber ahead. Only one person should be in an anchor section at any time.

Additional information

Equipment rental:

  • Hôtel-restaurant "Ma Vallée" in Nax
  • Tourism office Nax

Further information about the destination can be found here:

Literature

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

Maps

Swisstopo topographic maps 1:25,000: 1306 Sion

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