Fixed rope routes

Great Daubenhorn Via Ferrata (K5 - K6)

Leiter im Grossen Daubenhorn Klettersteig

Leukerbad

-3/4°

Closed

Experience the steep rocks around Leukerbad up close. The longest via ferrata in Switzerland provides an adrenaline rush with ladders, passages, and rock crossings.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

9.25 km

Duration

8:00 h
Leiter im Grossen Daubenhorn Klettersteig
Grosser Daubenhorn Klettersteig
Obere Gemsfreiheit
Schafe auf dem Gemmiweg
Sonnenuntergang auf dem Lämmerenboden

Description

The Daubenhorn via ferrata is the longest in Switzerland. With the difficulty level ED (extremely difficult), the adventure is aimed at experienced and fit mountaineers. The via ferrata ascends almost vertically along the rock towering above Leukerbad. For the approximately 1,000 meters of elevation gain, you need about eight hours. The goal is the summit of the Daubenhorn at 2,941 meters above sea level.

Along the way, the via ferrata offers numerous highlights: for example, passing through a large cave crevice with a waterfall. You cross up to the summit 2,000 meters of steel cable and 216 meters of ladders – partly overhanging. At the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view before you begin the descent over the small Daubenhorn glacier to the Lämmerenboden and then via hiking trail to the Gemmi cable car.

Turn-by-turn directions

To reach the starting point, follow the hiking trail through the Gemmiwand for about 20 minutes. In the area of Untere Schmitte, a sign marks the way to the via ferrata. The first section corresponds to the small via ferrata – for this, you cross the Gemmiwand until you reach the intermediate exit at the Obere Gemsfreiheit at 2,300 meters. Behind the Obere Gemsfreiheit, the path continues over a ladder through a 100-meter-high chimney, which can be climbed in two variants. The normal route goes through the waterfall, while the more difficult variant climbs around it. Climbers exit the chimney through a large hole. Further vertical and partly overhanging ladders lead to the summit of the Daubenhorn at almost 3,000 meters. The descent leads over the small Daubenhorn glacier to the Lämmerenboden, from where the hiking trail first follows the stream and then leads over a final small ascent to the Gemmi cable car.

Start

Gemmipass (2338m)

Destination

Gemmipass (2338m)

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Author's recommendation

After the strenuous ascent of the via ferrata, the warm thermal baths are a real treat for tired muscles.

If your stamina is not sufficient, there is the option to descend to Leukerbad at the Obere Gemsfreiheit after about a third of the route.

Technical information

Altitude

2940m

2031m

Ascent

+1246m

Descent

-1246m

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
  • Summit route
  • Round trip
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Cableway ascent/descent
  • Completely cable-secured
  • Classic via ferrata
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Leuk is accessible by train (SBB), then the bus (LLB – Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) takes you to the starting point in Leukerbad. From the bus station in Leukerbad, you can reach the Gemmi cable cars either on foot or by the local Ringjet bus.

Timetables for trains and buses can be found at sbb.ch.

Approach

From Basel and Zurich: Motorway A1 to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; car shuttle Kandersteg – Goppenstein; direction Gampel; Leuk – Leukerbad

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

From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 toward Simplon; car shuttle Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk – Leukerbad

Parking

Parking spaces are available at the Gemmi cable cars or various parking options in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local parking guidance system.

Equipment

A harness with a via ferrata set for self-belaying is mandatory for climbing a via ferrata. Due to the rockfall risk, 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

Climbing is a fascinating but also risky mountain sport. Every visit to a climbing area is at your own risk. Please observe the following points for your safety:

: Anyone on via ferratas should urgently consider weather forecasts. Sudden bad weather can be life-threatening. Avoid via ferratas in case of thunderstorm risk.

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

: When climbing a via ferrata, keep enough distance from the climber in front. There should always be only one person in an anchoring section.

Additional information

Equipment rental:
  • Local sports shops in Leukerbad
  • Gemmi cable cars

Further information about the destination can be found here:

Literature

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

The tourism office in Leukerbad provides you with information materials and brochures about climbing in the destination and can give detailed information about the via ferrata.

Maps

Topographic maps 1:25,000 SwissTopo: 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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