Hochjoch via ferrata
One of the longest via ferratas in Vorarlberg.
Variant 1: Difficulty level: C
Ascent: 30 minutes
Take the Hochjoch cable car and Sennigrat chairlift up the mountain. Access to the via ferrata above the Schwarzsee lake is signposted from the Sennigrat chairlift midway station and mountain station - once you pass the Seetalhüsli, the via ferrata is just a 20 minute walk away.
Via ferrata duration: 4 hours
Length: Cable length 1750 meters
Height in meters: 450
Exposure: South-southwest
From the starting point, you follow a continuous steel cable to climb to the summit of Hochjoch. Two ledges put your strength and condition to the test (difficulty level: C). The highlight is undoubtedly the spectacular, 60 meter-long cable suspension bridge shortly before the summit cross, which can be safely bypassed, if you’d prefer. The descent takes you via Hochalpila Grat (difficulty level: B), which offers you a breathtaking view over the three mountain ranges, Rätikon, Verwall and Silvretta, and the three mountain lakes, Herzsee, Kälbersee and Schwarzsee.
Descent: 1 hour
After this gigantic adventure on the crags comes a relaxing hike known as the Seetalwanderung - Walking route 4 - through the lake valley and down the mountain to the Seetalhüsli on the Kälbersee lake, where a well-earned platter of traditional cold cuts and cheeses awaits you. And for those of you with energy still to burn, hop onto a stand-up paddle board and row off into the sun.
Variant 2: Difficulty level: B
Ascent: 1.5 hours
Take the Hochjoch cable car and Sennigrat chairlift up the mountain. Your starting point - the Seetalhüsli - is just a short walk away. The access to this easier Hochjoch via ferrata option is located at the Hochalpila chairlift mountain station. Simply follow the signposts from the Seetalhüsli towards the Hochjoch via ferrata (B). From here, it’s just a 30-minute walk to the via ferrata.
Via ferrata duration: 3 hours way there and back
Length: Cable length 750 meters
Height in meters: 100
Exposure: South-southwest
The ascent over Hochalpila Grat (difficulty level: B) offers you views over the Silvretta, Rätikon and Verwall mountains. The climb to the Hochjoch summit cross is aided by a secured steel cable. At the end of the tightrope, you will have two options available: you can either continue directly to the summit cross and return via the same ridge trail or you can walk down to the spectacular, 60 meter-long cable suspension bridge and then return over the ridge you just crossed.
Warning! Please do not descend via the Hochjoch variant 1 via ferrata (difficulty level: C) under any circumstances!
Descent: 1 hour
After this gigantic adventure on the crags comes a relaxing hike known as the Seetalwanderung - Walking route 4 - through the lake valley and down the mountain to the Seetalhüsli on the Kälbersee lake, where a well-earned platter of traditional cold cuts and cheeses awaits you. And for those of you with energy still to burn, hop onto a stand-up paddle board and row off into the sun.
