Fixed rope routes

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Fixed rope routes

Small Daubenhorn via ferrata

The small Daubenhorn via ferrata consist of the first part of the great Daubenhorn Via Ferrata. For those unwilling (or not quite able) to go the whole way there’s also an opportunity to go back down to Leukerbad about 1/3 of the way into the tour.

  • Difficulty

    difficult, D

    Difficulty : difficult
    D Vertical, sometimes overhanging terrain, mostly very exposed. Safety elements may be far apart. A sure foot, a good head for heights, excellent physical condition and a great deal of strength in arms and legs necessary. Via ferrata equipment obligatory. Not suitable for beginners or children

  • Length

    8.4 km

  • Duration

    5:00 h

  • Show on map
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Offered as an intermediate exit from the Grand Daubenhorn via ferrata in case of bad weather, this smaller route promises climbers an impressive aerial traverse and two vertical climbs – including one longer than 120 m.

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Turn-by-turn directions

The via ferrata can be reached from the summit of the Gemmi cable car with a hike of about 20 minutes along a path across the legendary Gemmiwand cliffs. The starting point is near “Untere Schmitte”, where an information panel shows the fork in the route. The itinerary traverses the face of the Daubenhorn as far as “Untere Freiheit”, a steep meadow, and then takes in a long ladder before a gentle descent turning towards the left. A steep path via Tysche brings you back to Leukerbad.

Start: Gemmi Pass or Leukerbad (2336 m)
Destination: Leukerbad (1398 m)

Author's recommendation

In order to start your tour from the Gemmi pass, you can also walk up to the start from Leukerbad. 

Technical information

  • Altitude

    2359 m 1399 m

  • Ascent

    550 m

  • Descent

    1470 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 6 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Cableway ascent/descent
  • Completely cable-secured
  • Classic via ferrata

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