Fixed rope routes

Via Farinetta

Saillon

11/23°

Closed

To serve you better, Saillon Tourisme is carrying out maintenance and safety work on the Via Farinetta. As your safety is our priority, it is strictly forbidden to use the trail during this period. As the first 20 meters of cables have been dismantled, the trail is inaccessible during this work. 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 führt durch einen Tunnel einer Suone

Via Farinetta mit Hängebrücke im Hintergrund

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

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.

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion