What is Via Ferrata and where can you practice it?
Via Ferrata is a mountaineering term. Originally Italian it means "iron road" and thus gives a good definition of the term. A via ferrata is a route laid out with steel cables along a rock face. This steel cable is attached to the rock at regular intervals (maximum 6 m) by means of hooks and is primarily intended to protect the user. In addition, people often use the cable to keep themselves in balance or to pull themselves up on it. In addition to the steel cable, you will also find other aids on a via ferrata (especially on the more difficult parts), such as supports for hands and feet, (suspension) bridges and descent ropes, but also death rides and rappels. In French one speaks (also) of Via Ferrata or chemin câblé. In German from Klettersteig.
In a via ferrata, the route is set out with steel cables that are anchored to the rock wall every 2-8m. The steel cables are intended as a self-belay for the mountaineer, because he will click the carabiners of his via ferrata set (braking system) onto it. The mountaineer can also use the cables to climb up or to keep his balance. Often other aids such as U-irons, markers (with or without foot plates), steps, (suspension) bridges, tyroliennes, etc. are provided on the more difficult passages. This also makes it possible as a 'regular' mountain hiker to conquer steep rock walls and jagged mountain peaks without having to be a mountain or sport climber.
In fact, it is a discipline between mountain hiking and climbing, for which you need limited specific equipment, but above all the necessary judgment is a must.
In both the Dolomites and the Alps there are many great routes to follow, taking you on a tour of some of the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the world. From the Sella Ronda to the high Alps, there are some of the best Via Ferrate Routes in Italy. See: Via Ferrata / Klettersteig books.
A via ferrata was also built in the Netherlands, which has become known beyond the national borders as Via Ferrata Fliegerhorst Venlo.
Where applicable, each article contains links to relevant pages/articles on the CanyonZone website.
If desired, also see FAQ or report to us what information you are missing.
The information is included as "items", see descriptions below.
CanyonZone Knowledge base Via Ferrata / Klettersteig: Go Back.
CanyonZone
-
- Experts in canyoning & caving gear - ship worldwide
-
- NEW - Petzl Canyoning / Caving Line 2024
- New items in assortment
- Special offers
- 2nd hand canyoning caving articles
- Items / packages customer specific
- Pre-ordering 2025
- Giftcards of CanyonZone
-
- Canyoning (basic) equipment
- Canyoning equipment packages
- Luggage / Travel Bags
-
Canyoning Neoprene clothing
- Size charts by Brand
- Aventure Verticale (AV) size charts
- CE4Y neoprene size charts
- GUARA neoprene size charts
- Seland neoprene clothing size charts
- Newex neoprene size charts
- NRS neoprene size charts
- Vade Retro neoprene size charts
- Custom made neoprene wetsuit, required size data
- Canyoning Wetsuits
- Protective Canyoning Clothing
- Canyoning Neoprene Headgear
- Canyoning Drysuit / Undersuit
- Canyoning Neoprene shirts & shorts
- Canyoning Knee - elbow protectors / pads
- Canyoning Neoprene gloves
- Canyoning Neoprene socks
- Canyoning shoes
- Harnesses & Accessories
- Helmets outdoor sports
- Carabiners & maillons
- Descend devices
- Ascending / Rise along rope
- Pulleys
- Rope & webbing slings
- Anchoring & accessories
- Via Ferrata / Klettersteig sets
- Outdoor Gloves / (ice-)canyoning, caving, via ferrata
- Canyoning Back Packs, bags & duffels
- Drybags & Kegs, Boats
- Outdoor Knives & Scissors
- Safety in outdoor sports
- First Aid / Medical Articles
- Rescue in outdoor sports
- Camping, Bivouac & Backpacking
- Winter- / Ice Canyoning
-
Canyoning Books & Topographic Maps
- Map Pouch
-
Canyoning Guide Books
- Australia
- Austria
- France (including Corsica and La Reunion)
- Germany
- Greece (including Crete) / Balkans
- Israel
- Italy (including Sardinia)
- Jordan / Middle East
- Morocco
- New Zealand & Australia
- Portugal (including Madeira and Azores)
- Scandinavia
- Slovenia
- Spain (including Canary Islands and Majorca)
- United Kingdom (UK) / Scotland
- United States of America
- South America
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Canyoning Techniques & Skills
- Canyoning Maps
- Outdoor Children's Books
- Outdoor DVDs
- Via Ferrata / Klettersteig books
- Repair & Maintenance
- Miscellaneous items outdoor sports
-
- Especially for Ladies
- Especially for Children
- Especially for Instructors and Guides
- Especially for Outdoor Sports Companies
- Especially for Underwater / Cave diving / Diving
-
- Caving (basic) equipment
- Caving equipments packages
- Caving Suits / Overalls
- Caving Under Suits
- Caving Boots / Wellies
- Caving Socks
- Caving Knee- and Elbow Pads
- Caving Gloves
- Headlamps & torches
- Caving Bags & BackPacks
- Tents and Bivi bags
- Caving & Potholing Books
-
- Climbing related gear: on request
- Services
-
- CanyonZone New(s)
- CanyonZone Customer Service
- Contact about Assortment
- Business ordering at CanyonZone
- About CanyonZone
- CanyonZone's FAQ
- CanyonZone's Knowledge Base
- About CanyonZone, owner Gertjan van Pelt
- Works together with
- Link exchange
-
- Privacy
- Terms and Conditions
-
Terms and Conditions Rental
-