Small Daubenhorn via ferrata (K5 - K6)
Leukerbad
-1/6°
ClosedThe small Daubenhorn via ferrata is the first part of the large via ferrata. If your fitness is not sufficient for the longest via ferrata in Switzerland, there is the option to descend to Leukerbad after about one-third of the route.
Difficulty
DifficultLength
8.39 kmDuration
5:00 h
Description
The small Daubenhorn via ferrata is the first part of its bigger brother. Ideal for less fit climbers who still want to venture into the steep rock wall above Leukerbad. Although the shortened route is often considered a bad weather exit of the large Daubenhorn via ferrata, this section already offers plenty of adventure: from an airy traverse over numerous ladders to two vertical ascents up to 120 meters in length.
The Daubenhorn via ferrata is the longest in Switzerland. With the difficulty level ED (extreme difficult), you should not underestimate the adventure. The small via ferrata overcomes 340 meters in altitude before the exit after about one third of the entire via ferrata occurs. Plan around five hours for this first part.
Turn-by-turn directions
From the mountain station of the Gemmi cable car, a roughly 20-minute walk through the Gemmiwand leads to the start. This is located at the Lower Schmitte, where an information board marks the turnoff to the via ferrata. The via ferrata crosses the steep Daubenhorn wall to the Lower Freiheit, from where climbers reach the Upper Gemsfreiheit via long iron ladders. Behind the Upper Gemsfreiheit is the descent path, which leads off to the left. Via a steep path through Tysche, you reach Leukerbad.
Start
Gemmipass or Leukerbad (2336m)
Destination
Leukerbad (1398m)
Author's recommendation
Start on foot in Leukerbad through the Gemmiwand to reach the start. This means the warm-up is already done.
Technical information
Altitude
2359m
1399m
Ascent
+518m
Descent
-1455m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Leuk is accessible by train (SBB), then the bus (LLB – Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) goes to the starting point in Leukerbad. From the Leukerbad bus station, you can reach the Gemmi cable cars either on foot or by the local bus Ringjet.
Schedules 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 direction Simplon; car shuttle Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk – Leukerbad
Parking
Parking at the Gemmi cable cars or various parking options in the village Leukerbad. Follow the local parking system.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Leukerbad . Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.
