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Cascade du Dar
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Via ferrata Cascade du Dar

Via ferrata Cascade du Dar Cascade du Dar 1600 m

Difficulty

K4+
Ascent

1:30 h
Mountain Experience

2 / 4
Power

3 / 4
Endurance

1 / 4
Psyche

3 / 4

Truth be told: Much of the mountain landscape that is generally referred to as part of The Bernese Oberland does not actually stand within the canton of Bern. Though its borders extend from Grimsel to the Sanetschpass, bounded on the north by the Aare, approximately by the Sense to the west, in to the south by the Rhone, several famous mountains which are ascribed to it, such as the Bietschorn, Aletschhorn and Gross Grünhorn do not even belong to the Bernese Oberland but to the Upper Valais. The southern border of the Bernese Oberland extends from Sustenpass in the East, past the famous trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, links up with Altels and the Wildhorn, and finally turns north just before Les Diablerets, the famous ski region of Glacier 3000. Just short of Les Diablerets, the border turns north at the Oldernhorn, or, Becca d’Audon, thereon marking the Oberland's most southwesterly point, and the boundary between German and French speaking Switzerland. And there is one other thing that makes the Oldenhorn a focal mountain: the three via ferratas on its western side - respectivey called Pierredar, Tête aux Chamois and Cascade du Dar. On y va!

Hopefully it holds! Weirdly attached ladders on the first steep section. © Daniel Anker

The route book hides in here. Please enter your names. © Daniel Anker

Route description

Approach

Via ferrata de la Cascade du Dar

If you do not feel confident enough to tackle the first steep section, you can avoid it to the left. This ferrata jumps straight into vertical and overhanging sections followed by a three-cable bridge; the exit from this is quite tricky. Then you climb to the top of the rock face; here is where the easier version joins on. Now, for the time being, follow a grassy ledge across the wall, then continue the traverse on vertical ground under an eye-catching semicircular roof, up to reach a "hanging garden" with gnarled old spruce trees. Descend an airy ladder and into a groove. Here is an escape option. From here the ferrata become easier, continues, following various ledges up and down, traversing a long distance across the high rock face with numerous other sport climbing routes. A short bridge provides entertainment before a narrow corner gives you a squeeze. At its foot, the way ahead splits. Anyone feeling still fresh and confident can head for the Tyrolienne - if it is still installed - in the direction of the waterfall (if its there) and may whizz down its 80 m length! From the landing area, descend a small track to the main path. To avoid the Tyrolienne, head right of the stream through some steep, bushy terrain to meet the path (1460 m).

Descent

Either back to the Col du Pillon, or down to the town of Les Diablerets.

Additional information

Character: K5- for the first section (optional), K4 + for the second, K3 with a very short passage K3 + for the third; Lastly, an optional 80-meter Tyrolienne past the Dar waterfall.

Not the absolute best, but pretty well secured, 450-meter-long sporty ferrata with many traverses on rock in woody terrain near the Col du Pillon. Similar to Via ferrata de Planpraz in Leysin, but with less iron and more rock contact. Shady in the morning.