Climbing... the trend in mountain sports

With the Gerlosstein cable car in Hainzenberg you reach one of the most beautiful via ferratas in the Zillertal valley. The 380m long Gerlosstein via ferrata leads up over a 240m high rockface at Mount Gerlosstein and not only ensures a fantastic alpine experience, but takes you to one of the valley's most beautiful mountains. Special introductory courses are offered for newcomers to this climb, which is classed as challenging and was constructed by the local mountain rescue team in collaboration with the Zillertal Arena. The local climbing schools provide professional advice and guided tours along this route. 

Some facts:

• Audience: Beginners and advanced
• Difficulty: C/D
• Duration: 1,5 - 2,5h 
• Rope length: 380m
• Altitude difference: 240m
• Ascend: with the Gerlosstein cable car
• Access: approx. 45 minutes walking distance from the top station of the Gerlosstein cable car
• Period: May - October 

Beautiful, though challenging, via ferrata characterised in particular by its' extreme length and exposed position. In the first, relatively easy stage (C/D), it leads steeply upwards over several "walls", an over-hanging intersection, through the "Birkenwaldl Forest", over a steep shingle slope, a high column and the "Floitentritte" (Floiten footholds), to a large ledge which marks the end of this stage. If you decide against taking the exit to the left, you will reach the more challenging second stage. After a relatively easy entry, this leads on to a steep, very strenous ascent including an overhang which is the most difficult point in this climb (E), 2 triple wire rope bridges and an extremely exposed crossing. The section (E) can be bypassed. Attention on the way down, danger of falling! 

Some facts:

• Audience: Advanced to professionals
• Difficulty: 1. part C/D - 2. part D/E
• Duration: 2,5 to 3 hours 
• Altitude difference: 310m
• Rope length: 600m
• Access: at the Gasthof Neu-Ginzling take the path in the direction of Tristner (Ginzling's local mountain), where the trail forks carry on straight ahead (5-10 min.) 

Child-friendly via ferrata climbing route with high rope course elements, excellent routing and superior levels of safety. Climbing sections graded alternately A and B, the high rope course elements can be used parallel to tha via ferrata. An exit opportunity is provided at the observation deck, which leads to the walker's trail. Suitable for children of at least 120cm in height, parents are responsible for their children. 

Some facts:

• Audience: families 
• Difficulty: A/B with high rope course elements
• Duration: 2 hours
• Altitude difference: 210m
• Rope length: 398m
• Access: follow the hiking trail "Huterlanersteig" next to the hotel Zillertal (no. 2c) until you see the sign for the via ferrata

Family-friendly via ferrata with lovely viewpoints and a diversified climbing route. Short earthy paths alternate with steep inclines. At a wire rope biidge there is the opportunity to exit the via ferrata or enter the next stage. An interesting change of scenery with exciting ascents. This is suitable for families with children as of the age of 10 years. Info points are prominently placed along this route. 

Some facts:

• Audience: Beginners to advanced
• Difficulty: C
• Duration: 1 hour
• Altitude difference: 210m
• Rope length: 480m
• Access: Follow the hiking trail "Huterlanersteig" next to the hotel Zillertal (no. 2c) until you see the sign for the via ferrata

The via ferrata starts around 50m above the valley bed. It begins with a cathedral-like overhang which presents a rather exposed rocky section. The beauty of this route is that it is so varied, with easily negotiable long sections and rock faces interspersed with a number of challenging points. About half way an embedded rock overhang forms a natural seat where you can take a welcome rest and enjoy the stunning views over Mayrhofen. Guest House Zimmereben is only a 5 minute walk from where the route ends. 

Some facts:

• Audience: Beginners to advanced
• Difficulty: B/C+
• Duration: 2 hours
• Altitude: 250m
• Rope length: 480m
• Access: The trail begins at the garden fence of the last house opposite the parking lot (100m north to the hotel Zillertal), turn right at the crossing, after 100m you'll see the sign for the via ferrata on the left.

The entry point for "Astegg via ferrata" is located directly behind the exit point iof the "Pfeilspitzwand" via ferrata, approx. 5 min. above Gasthaus Zimmereben. After the access ramp, there is a 50m high rock wall rated B/C in difficutly, followed by forest and rocky terrain rated A/B. Then it's around 200m high rock face with exit route rated C. A path then leads to a forest trail and onwards in the direction of Gasthaus Astegg and Mariensteig Trail (descent to Mayrhofen appox. 1 hour). 

Some facts:

• Audience: Beginners to advanced
• Difficulty: A/C
• Duration: about 1,5 hours
• Altitude difference: 260m
• Rope length: 450m
• Access: Above Gasthaus Zimmereben
• Descent: Along the forest trail, to the Mariensteig. Descent to Mayrhofen ca. 1 hour

A challenging, but exciting route with some vertical, partially over-hanging sections. Even climbing enthusiasts are impressed by the access point of this via ferrata, which is situated directly at an over-hang. An adrenalin including experience climbing over ledges and rocky outcrops, whilst negotiating wire top bridges, swings and overhangs as well as traversing. A challenging route suitable for experienced climbing enthusiasts. Info points are prominently placed along the route. 

Some facts:

• Audience: Advanced to professionals 
• Difficulty: C/D+
• Duration: 1,5 hours
• Altitude difference: 239m
• Rope length: 450m
• Access: follow the hiking trail "Huterlanersteig" next to the hotel Zillertal (no. 2c) until you see the sign for the via ferrata

For those who want to get a taste of the vertical world, there are two via ferratas at the Knorren Climbing Area on Action Mountain Penken. The Knorren Nadel Via Ferrata is suitable for beginners and starts at the foot of the Knorren Climbing Area. With its two rope bridges and the viewing platform on top of the Knorrennadel you should be prepared for a touch of vertigo. In the lower third of the Knorren wall you find the Steinbock Via Ferrata, which is designed for more advanced climbers. After a steep start you are rewarded with impressive views of the Zillertal Alps. The two via ferratas meet again half way up the Knorren and you have to choose which way you want to go to reach the top.

Some facts:

• Audience: Advanced
• Difficulty:  B/C (medium)
• Duration: approx. 45 minutes
• Altitude difference: 50m
• Rope length: 180m
• Access: From Mayrhofen use the Penken cable car to the top station and then the Gondelbahn. Walk from the top station of the 3SL Penken lift on the gravel path in the direction to Penkenjoch. Turn right at the 6SB Knorren lift.

For those who want to get a taste of the vertical world, there are two via ferratas at the Knorren Climbing Area on Action Mountain Penken. The Knorren Nadel Via Ferrata is suitable for beginners and starts at the foot of the Knorren Climbing Area. With its two rope bridges and the viewing platform on top of the Knorrennadel you should be prepared for a touch of vertigo. In the lower third of the Knorren wall you find the Steinbock Via Ferrata, which is designed for more advanced climbers. After a steep start you are rewarded with impressive views of the Zillertal Alps. The two via ferratas meet again half way up the Knorren and you have to choose which way you want to go to reach the top.

Some facts:

• Audience: Beginners
• Difficulty: A/C
• Duration: approx. 90 minutes
• Altitude difference: 50m
• Rope length: 220m
• Access: From Mayrhofen use the Penken cable car to the top station and then the Gondelbahn. Walk from the top station of the 3SL Penken lift on the gravel path in the direction to Penkenjoch. Turn right at the 6SB Knorren lift.

With a length of approx. 600 metres and at a height of 131 metres, the Flying Fox offers you the ultimate adrenaline kick on a flight along the wall of the dam. If you have always wanted to fly like a bird then the #Schlegeis131 Flying Fox is the perfect opportunity. Show a taste for adventure and enjoy the Flying Fox experience to the full.

Some facts:

• Audience: Recommended from the age of 10 and up, minimum weight 40kg
• Duration: 1,5 hours
• Altitude difference: 131m
• Rope length: 600m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is a toll road subject to charge. 

The abseiling platform is situated on the upper rim of the dam. It takes you 131 metres down to the foot of the dam. When abseiling is no need to be concerned about safety: the optimally designed and high quality safety system, operated by specially trained mountain guides, will bring you safely to the ground. When abseiling you are surrounded by a unique landscape and will probably never forget this special adventure. You are of course welcome to combine abseiling with climbing the dam on the Via Ferrata. The abseiling platform gives you a very special feeling of excitement, together with views of the dam and its surrounding. Feel the adrenaline rush through your body.

Some facts:

• Audience: recommended from the age of 10 and up, minimum weight 40kg 
• Duration: 1,5 hours
• Altitude difference: 131m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is a toll road subject to charge. 

The unique via ferrata does not lead over rock, but is built directly on the Schlegeis dam. What is different? No rocks or trees are around to hang on. A completely different kind of climbing experience, surrounded by nothing but a sheer expanse of concrete wall. A good head for heights is required to climb the dam wall. Two rest areas have been set up for taking a breath. There is also a C variant for those wanting to climb to even greater heights. Materials and construction are the same as with all other climbing routes.

Some facts:

• Audience: Advanced
• Difficulty: A/B (with a C variant)
• walking distance: 1 hour
• Altitude difference: 131m
• Rope length: 300m
• Access: Park at the top of Schlegeis Dam. Follow the marked trail from the crest of the dam to the bottom, where you will find the entry point. Schlegeis Alpine Road is subject to a toll fee.

The children's climbing attraction is specially developed for adventurous kids and it's guaranteed to provide plenty of fun. The children's via ferrata is ideal for kids who have never climbed before, but also fot young boys and girls who already have some experience. If you don't have your own equipement, you can hire this at the snack bar located on the top of the dam.

Some facts:

• Audience: beginners - recommended for children from 7 years
• Difficulty: A (with a C variant)
• Altitude difference: 30m
• Rope length: 100m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. From there you can follow the marked way from the Staumauerkrone to the entry. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is a toll road subject to charge. 

The route's level of difficulty steadily increases (level of difficulty 5 to 7+) and requires a certain stamina. From mid-route onwards, the wall is overhanging and the climb increasingly steep. Although large grips have been put in place from the 4th pitch onwards, a good level of fitness is required. It is essential to have mastered rope techniques for multi-pitch routes: after the 4th pitch going back is only possible with extreme difficulty and requires a lot of experience of rope techniques. In addition to its diffulty, this route is also extremely exposed. But generally, those able to lead a Grade 7 indoor climb and with an appropriate level of physical fitness will have a lot of fun on this route. CAUTION: When starting the 3rd rope length there is no point of return! 

Some facts:

• Audience: professional
• Difficulty: 7+ to 8-
• Duration: 2,5 hours
• Altitude difference: 131m
• Rope length: 50m, 5 rope length
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. From there you can follow the marked way from the Staumauerkrone to the foot of the dam. There you will find the entry point. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is toll road subjected to charge. 

The 3 children's climbing routes on the edge of the Schlegeis Dam are an ideal introduction to the adventures of climbing. Kids will get an incredible feeling of freedom as they climb the wall of the dam, whilst being safely secured. Sport climbing requires some previous via ferrata experience.

Some facts:

• Audience: recommended for children starting from the age of 5 and up 
• Difficulty: 2-4
• Altitude difference: 20m 
• Rope length: 20m
• Access: Parking is available at the Schlegeis dam. From there you can follow the marked way from the Staumauerkrone to the entry. The Schlegeis Alpenstraße is a toll road subject to charge.