Chäligang Via Ferrata | Via ferrata

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Engstligenalp
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Chäligang Via Ferrata

Chäligang Via Ferrata Engstligenalp 1951.5 m

Difficulty

K2
Ascent

1:30 h, 270 m
Mountain Experience

1 / 4
Power

1 / 4
Endurance

2 / 4
Psyche

1 / 4

Not as difficult as the dreaded finishing slope on the World Cup giant slalom at Chuenisbärgli, though not as easy as the bulldozed Aeugi-Lowa path on the Ammertenspitz (if you don't get these references, too bad). The Via ferrata, at the back of the valley, leads through a 500-meter-high wall, over which the Engstligen waterfall ... falls. This industrial 'stairway to heaven', following a natural ramp "the Chäligang" had previously been equipped with a dodgy set of rusty chains, but has now been made into a proper via ferrata: beautiful next to the roaring water and the blossoming Edelweiss, straightforward but not altogether easy. Ideal for beginners, young and old, the climb takes two and a half hours. And to descend? For those who got too much sun on the wall and are now suffering from dehydration and heatstroke, there is the cable car. For those who carried enough water and still have energy, there is the winding Alpweg (path), which the cows use in autumn to return to the valley.

Overview topo Chäligang via ferrata. © AT Verlag

The powerful Lower Enstligenfall. © Daniel Anker

Steep sections in the lower part. © Daniel Anker

Mother and daughter on route to the top. © Daniel Anker

Route description

Approach

Related route: Approach to Chäligang via ferrata

Chäligang Via Ferrata

This rocky ramp is the so-called Chaligang. Previously fitted with scraps of bolt and chain, with the odd step mashed into the rock, it is now a fully fledged iron staircase. Today you can secure yourself via trusty looking cables, and make use of some extra iron rungs. As you approach the wall, it appears to grow before your eyes. After a steep slog, the cable-secured path strikes out across the wall and leads into a cauldron above the lower Engstligenfalls (good rest/ bivouac sight). Above a wooden bench with a "visitor book", the ferrata turns right, leading towards a ridge via a grassy, rubble filled gully. It continues to traverse, still further right, and finally climbs up onto the mountain track which leads round to the south of P. 1810, near the upper Engstligenfall. Descend from here, or continue upslope on the normal hiking path past three alp huts, to cross a small bridge over the Engstligen and reach Engstligenalp (1965 m, 2½ hours).

Further, to the top cable car station / or direct descent via Underem Staub

From the top of the via ferrata, ca. 1800 m, either ascend to the top station, or descend on foot via the obvious mountain path.

Additional information

Character: K1 with passages of K2. The route is well secured. As on any via ferrata, the full set of gear (harness, via ferrata set, helmet) is necessary. If you don't have your own, this can be rented at the valley station. Recommended from June to October; most beautiful at the beginning of summer, when some snow remains and the mountain flowers already add that splash of colour.

Time: Altogether 2½ hrs. Approach ½ hr. Via Ferrata 1½ hrs. Exit towards Engstligenalp ½ hr.

Signalisation: Mostly marked.

Descent: With the cable car. Or from the end of the Via Ferrata descend on the mountain footpath to ca. 1800 m, traversing below the upper waterfall ¾ hr. Alternatively, ascend to Engstligenalp and descend from there, staying right (east) of the waterfall (1 hr, T2).