Gemmiwand Adventure Via Ferrata | Via ferrata

Unterstütze den SAC Jetzt spenden

Home
Huts and Tours
- SAC Route Portal
- Subscribe to the SAC Route Portal
SAC Route Portal
Gemmipass
Via ferrata
- Gemmiwand Adventure Via Ferrata
Gemmiwand Adventure Via Ferrata

Gemmiwand Adventure Via Ferrata Gemmipass 2269 m

Difficulty

K4+
Ascent

2:30 h, 60 m
Mountain Experience

1 / 4
Power

3 / 4
Endurance

2 / 4
Psyche

4 / 4

The Gemmipassweg, blown out of the rock wall above Leukerbad in 1739, cuts diagonally through a vertical arena. The Leukerbadner Klettersteig, the longest via ferrata in Switzerland, runs plum vertical. The most recent route, the "Gemmiwand Adventure Via Ferrata" is more than vertical. It hangs suspended in the air, defying gravity, and will make your legs tremble. It begins at the top station of the Gemmibahn, and returns back where it started. The same applies for another new addition (equipped in summer 2011). There is no summit to attain; the journey is the goal. From the floating platform of the mountain hotel, one is able to admire this mad, aerial walkway; to either admire it, fear it, or detest it - depending one one's personal outlook, or whether you're about to start, or have just finished it. Not for the weak, or faint of heart, this obstacle course has a varying mix of fixed and movable iron and wooden parts. If you make it to the three-cable bridge without falling in to the void... you should be alright!

Above the void. A mutant cross-breed between rope park and via ferrata. © Anker Daniel

The wibbly-wobbly three-rope bridge. © Anker Daniel

The crazy spiral ladder, roughly half way through the course. © Anker Daniel

Route description

Gemmi Adventure Via Ferrata

Cross the chasm between the rocks of the old and new Gemmi Hotels on a long and (very) wobbly three-rope bridge. Then catch a breather at the start of the actual Gemmiwand. From here it goes up and down across the wall, twice leading over vertical or horizontally suspended round logs under overhangs. Finally, follow the spur between the viewing platform and mountain station, ascend the 540 degree spiral ladder without being sick, and gain the wire net which follows (exit possible here). From the net descend dizzyingly into the depths, and continue the adventure, balancing along narrow beams and leaning out into the air. Around a final arete you may climb up to the finish line at about 2350 m.

Additional information

Character: This mutant cross-breed between rope park and via ferrata crosses the 100 m high wall underneath the mountain hotel and mountain station of the Gemmiseilbahn. So expect plenty of spectators as you move confidently over the firm, not-too-difficult classic climbing sections ... and flounder epically on the (very) mobile rope elements. In short: strength and dexterity is required, a head for heights is mandatory. Otherwise, it is better to sit on the viewing terrace admiring the jackdaws (as well as the 4000 m peaks of the Valais Alps). The Gemmi via ferrata can be escaped or resumed after climbing the crazy spiral ladder roughly halfway round the course. Hire of via ferrata material at the mountain station possible.