Fixed rope routes

Bietschtalbrücke Via Ferrata

Kletterer in der Bietschtalschlucht

Raron-Niedergesteln

Airy descents, swinging above the "Bietschi" stream like Tarzan, pass through mystic grottos and long zip-lines to the other side of the valley: The Bietschtal Via Ferrata lives up to its promise in a breathtaking and wild setting.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

8.28 km

Duration

3:45 h

Description

You find the beginning of the Bietschtal Via Ferrata at the old bridge over the Bietschbach which is situated above the railway viaduct. The adventurous route provides the climbers an insight into the mysterious spots of the Bietschtal.The Bietschtalbrücke Via Ferrata is only accessible with a mountain guide.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the village of Raron, cross the “Bietschbach” river and climb the Fromatten slopes to the Rarnerchumma restaurant. From here, follow a footpath leading into the Bietschtal valley to reach the Lötschberg railway line. Cross the railway viaduct, head up the valley and follow the path as far as the natural rock bridge, starting point for the via ferrata. After climbing a rock face, you arrive in the narrow Bietsch gorge (Bietschschlucht). Several other rock faces follow before the route leads you across a large cave. At the exit, you tackle a 25-metre abseil followed by a zip wire across the Bietschbach. You then have two options: either climb towards another zip wire, or embark on a harder climb with three overhangs. Finally a last vertiginous zip wire, 72 metres long, takes you to the exit of the route. You can then either return to the starting point or enjoy the magnificent hike along the Lötschberg railway trail to Ausserberg.

Start

Raron or St. German (636m)

Destination

Ausserberg train station (931m)

Technical information

Altitude

1021m

636m

Ascent

+635m

Descent

-295m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Completely cable-secured
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regional trains to Raron or bus from Visp to St. German.

Approach

Highway A9 and then cantonal street 9 until you arrive in Raron (next to Visp)

Parking

Parking at the church in Raron.

Equipment

All climbers must wear a harness. Because of the risk of falling rocks along the route, a helmet is also essential. Ensure you have sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, and bring a small rucksack with water and a snack. A suitable pair of gloves will protect your fingers and knuckles from grazes.

Safety information

 

Weather conditions: before setting off to tackle a via ferrata, it is important to check the weather forecast. Bad conditions can make climbing dangerous – particularly in stormy weather.

Rockfalls: because of the risk of falling rocks – usually caused by climbers higher up or by animals – all climbers are strongly advised to wear a helmet.

Safety: always leave sufficient distance between yourself and the climber ahead. There should never be more than one person between two anchor points.

Additional information

Guide: 

Rental:

  • Egon Feller, mountain guide

Find more information about the destination here:

Literature

Eugen E. Hüsler, Daniel Anker : Die Klettersteige der Schweiz 

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1288 Raron

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion