Mountaineering and climbing in the Kaunertal

Different paths in the Kaunertal will take you to new heights. Mountain climbing is becoming increasingly popular. Among the dream routes through the gneiss of the impressive Kaunergrat are Wiesa-Jaggl, Plattensymphonie, Early morning in the sun, and Hidden paradise.

Beginners, families and children are especially drawn to the Holderli Seppl via ferrata in Fernergries. This was named after Kaunertal mountain guide Sepp Praxmarer. It starts by crossing ground glacier-mica gneiss. You then climb the impressive Rifflbach waterfall directly on the water and even cross the water once on a bridge. After one to one and a half hours, you will reach the destination at Schnapsloch.

• Altitude at start: 1.940 m
• At end: 2,080 m
• Difference in altitude: 140 m
• Level of difficulty: B

Already experienced and ready for one of the most challenging and spectacular climbing routes in Tyrol? The Anton Renk via ferrata challenges even experienced mountaineers with unending difficulty and overhanging passages. There are a few short, easier stretches that do let you catch your breath, though. But careful: there is no emergency exit! From the Sattelklause mountain station you can reach the via ferrata after a 2-hour ascent.

• Altitude at start: 2,000 m
• At end: 2,261 m
• Difference in altitude: 261 m
• Level of difficulty: D/E

There are a total of 174 alpine sport climbing routes in the three-country region Tyrolean Oberland, some that even cross ridges. Three particularly popular climbing areas are located in the Kaunertal:

• Fernergrieß: 44 routes on two sectors, mainly in difficulty levels 3 to 5c, only 5 minutes from the toll road, ideal for beginners and families
• Laimo: 30 routes on three sectors, from a short boulder tour to the 35 m wall in difficulty levels 6b to 8c, for advanced and ambitious climbers
• Grünstein: 8 routes in difficulty levels 6 and 7, due to the southwest orientation ideal for climbing tours in spring and autumn

Get out into the nature and have fun sport climbing! By the way, the nature park and glacier region is also well-known beyond Austria for its ice climbing opportunities with professional mountain guides. Learn more about this winter alternative! 

High alpine in parts, the multi-pitch routes in the Tyrolean Oberland are only for real mountain enthusiasts! There are a total of 20 routes across the Ötztal Alps crossing granite and gneiss. Ready for a variety of climbing experiences? These three tours are especially popular in the Kaunertal:

• Madatsch Towers: "A Summer Dream for Thomas" (seven pitches), "The Aunt on the Edge" (eleven pitches), and "West Side Story" (seven pitches), all with difficulty levels between 3a to 5c
• Schweikert: "Wiesa-Jaggl" (12 pitches) with difficulty levels between 3a to 6a+, ascent from Verpeilalm in half an hour; 10 express loops and at least 50 yards of double rope required
• Schweikert over the Gsallgratl: less demanding and newly upgraded in difficulty levels 3 and 4, but with a high alpine character

And after a day spent mountaineering or climbing? Enjoy incomparable Tyrolean mountain cuisine at one of the traditional huts and cottages!