Fixed rope routes

Gemmiwand via ferrata adventure

Seilbrücke Erlebnisklettersteig

Leukerbad

3/11°

The via ferrata adventure is not quite what you might expect, as it also contains various elements that are more often seen in rope courses. This various route is situated below the mountain station of the cable car.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

0.78 km

Duration

2:30 h
Seilbrücke Erlebnisklettersteig
Erlebnisklettersteig Gemmi und Leukerbad
Drehleitern Erlebnisklettersteig
Aussicht auf Leukerbad - Erlebnisklettersteig
Karte Erlebnisklettersteig Gemmiwand

Description

The mixture of via ferrata and rope park elements makes the adventure via ferrata in the Gemmiwand the ideal introduction for inexperienced alpinists, even if the level of difficulty is in the medium range. This makes it ideal for sporty people of all ages.

The start is at the Gemmi Pass. From here, the via ferrata leads along the rock face below the mountain restaurant. After around 800 metres and a difference in altitude of 30 metres, you will have reached your destination at the Gemmi cable car mountain station. Highlights include the 65 metre long rope bridge and the 20 metre high turntable ladder. The vertical route along the horizontal rock face is unique in Switzerland.

Admission: Use of the via ferrata is free, but the IG Klettersteig association appreciates any donations to ensure its maintenance.

Turn-by-turn directions

The starting point for this via ferrata lies by the former Hotel Wildstrubel at the Gemmi Pass. Climbers encounter various features recalling an adventure rope park, particularly during the first part of the itinerary. The second section is a more classic-style via ferrata, which reveals fine views of Leukerbad from above. The end of the route is just a few minutes’ walk from the Gemmi cable car.

Start

Arrival of the Gemmi cable car (2341m)

Destination

Arrival of the Gemmi cable car (2340m)

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Author's recommendation

Make the ascent or descent to the Gemmi Pass on foot: the legendary hiking trail that the shepherds tackle with their animals every year is very impressive.

Technical information

Altitude

2354m

2287m

Ascent

+179m

Descent

-185m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cableway ascent/descent
  • Completely cable-secured
  • fun via ferrata
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Leuk can be reached by train (SBB), then by bus (LLB - Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) to the starting point in Leukerbad. From Leukerbad you reach the Gemmi cable car by foot or by taking the local bus.

Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Approach

From Basel and Zurich: A1 motorway to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; Kandersteg - Goppenstein car transport; direction Gampel; Leuk - Leukerbad.

From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; direction Sion/Sierre; Leuk - Leukerbad.

From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 direction Simplon; car transport Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk - Leukerbad.

Parking

Park directly at the Gemmi cable car or use different parking possibilities in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local car park routeing.

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

Rental:
  • Local sports shops in Leukerbad
  • Gemmi cable car

Find more information about the destination here:

Literature

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

The tourist office in Leukerbad has got brochures and information material about climbing in the region and will give you detailled information about this via ferrata.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1267 Gemmi

Source

This activity is brought to you by Leukerbad . Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

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