Fixed rope routes

Via Farinetta

Die Via Farinetta erhielt ihren Namen durch den Münzfälscher Farinet, der hier ums Leben kam

Saillon

5/16°

The Via Farinetta leads you through the wild and mysterious Salentze Gorge, where the thermal water of the Saillon Thermal Baths comes from. The trail shows you the cultural and natural wealth of Saillon and Leytron.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

6.29 km

Duration

4:00 h
Die Via Farinetta erhielt ihren Namen durch den Münzfälscher Farinet, der hier ums Leben kam
Die Via Farinetta führt durch einen Tunnel einer Suone
Via Farinetta
Via Farinetta in der Salentze Schlucht
Via Farinetta in der Salentze Schlucht
Via Farinetta mit Hängebrücke im Hintergrund
Via Farinetta

Description

The first lowland via ferrata in Valais, this 330-metre, one-kilometre route is particularly demanding. It features a gradual increase in difficulty and is hence accessible to a wide range of climbers: the first, fun section is rated K3-K4/C, while the second, more aerial and physically demanding section is rated K4/C. A third section rated extremely difficult (K5/D) requires advanced physical skills to overcome the overhangs and slopes composing the route.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the thermal spa at Saillon, walk about 2 km along the River Salentze to reach the start of the via ferrata, following the signs marked “Via Farinetta”. The first section leads steadily into the gorge and to a “bisse” irrigation channel, where there is a first exit. You then walk along a tunnel through which a historical “bisse” once flowed. Beyond the tunnel lies the most testing stretch of the via ferrata. A large work of art by Hans Erni – “The Dove of Peace” – hangs on the cliff; here, climbers can choose to exit the via ferrata or continue along the final section. This is reserved for experienced climbers with a high level of fitness and strengt. The “Passerelle à Farinet” – a suspension footbridge across the gorge – is accessible from each exit of the via ferrata. The best way back down is from the western end of the footbridge; the path leads through the forest and then the vineyards of Saillon to reach the centre of the village.

Start

Thermal baths in Saillon (467m)

Destination

Thermal baths in Saillon (467m)

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Author's recommendation

The thermal spring water at “Les Bains de Saillon” comes from the gorges of the River Salentze. Just below the starting point of the Via Farinetta, there is a cave where you can enjoy a hot shower surrounded by nature

Technical information

Altitude

817m

465m

Ascent

+400m

Descent

-353m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Geological highlights
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Completely cable-secured
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Frequent train connections to Sion or Martigny, from where a bus brings you to Saillon. The "St-Laurent" bus stop is situated at about 10 minutes from the via ferrata.

Approach

Highway A9 to the exit 24 (Riddes), then follow the "Route de Riddes" to the village of Leytron and afterwards the "Route de Saillon" to the village of Saillon.

Parking

Parking at the thermal bath of Saillon or at the centre of the village. 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

Full equipment (climbing harness, climbing ropes and helmet) can be booked and hired from the Saillon tourist office and the Counterfeit Money Museum.

Also, here:

  • Jean Pellissier Sport in Martigny

  • Follomi Sports in Sion

Find more information about the destination here:

Literature

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

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1305 Dent de Morcles

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

View of the Cervo hotel with the Matterhorn in the background, Zermatt. Valais, Switzerland.

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