Via ferrata at Eggishorn

Tip
1.36 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Via ferrata
  • 3:00 h
  • 1.36 km
  • 145 m
  • 145 m
  • 2,724 m
  • 2,869 m
  • 145 m
  • Start: Eggishorn, mountain station aerial cableway
  • Destination: Eggishorn, mountain station aerial cableway

The starting point of the route is the mountain station of the Eggishorn aerial cableway. Hike downhill to Elsenlücke (approx. ½ hour) and continue to the start of the via ferrata. The route, which you can manage well even as a less experienced via ferrata climber, leads through grippy rock and impressive rock formations. Along the way, you will repeatedly enjoy magnificent views of the sunny plateau. Steep sections have been softened with sturdy iron steps, and even in less difficult sections, you are always well secured by wire ropes or railings. Highlights are a three-rope bridge (40 m), a suspension bridge (30 m), and a zip line (30 m). The zip line is only accessible with a mountain guide but can be bypassed. After two hours of climbing and overcoming 305 meters of altitude, you will reach the starting point again.

Difficulty: easy to moderate (K2 – K3), no overhanging sections.

Note: Want to abort the route? There is an emergency exit after about 1 hour of climbing time.

Aletsch Arena AG
Aletsch Arena AG

Good to know

Directions

Eggishorn – Elsenlücke – Via ferrata – Eggishorn 

Safety guidelines

Summer sports report

Weather:  Those on via ferratas should consider the weather forecast. Sudden bad weather can be life-threatening. Via ferratas must be avoided in case of thunderstorms. 

Risk of falling rocks:  There is a danger of falling rocks on via ferratas, usually caused by preceding climbers or wild animals. Protect yourself with a helmet.  

Safety measures: When climbing a via ferrata, always keep enough distance from the climber ahead. Only one person should be in a securing section at a time.

Note: Want to abort the route? There is an emergency exit after about 1 hour of climbing time.

Tour information

  • Loop Road

  • Stop at an Inn

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Pavements

Trail
Path
Via ferrata

Equipment

A climbing harness with a via ferrata set for self-protection is mandatory for climbing a via ferrata. Due to the danger of falling rocks, wearing a helmet is also a must. 

Pay attention to good footwear, suitable clothing, and sufficient provisions. Gloves provide additional protection for fingers and joints and prevent abrasions.

Directions & Parking facilities

Take the cantonal road 19 to the Fiesch exit, then follow the Furka road to the valley station of the Fiesch-Eggishorn aerial cableway (Aletsch Bahnen AG). Take the cableway up to Eggishorn.
Large paid parking lot at the valley station of the Fiesch-Eggishorn aerial cableway (Aletsch Bahnen AG).

Take the train from Brig or Oberwald to Fiesch, then take the Fiesch-Eggishorn aerial cableway (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Eggishorn.

Additional information

Aletsch Bahnen AG
Hauptstrasse 12
CH-3992 Bettmeralp
+41 27 928 41 41
info@aletschbahnen.ch
www.aletscharena.ch

Literature

You can get a free panoramic map at the mountain railways and info centers of the Aletsch Arena. 

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Enjoy the circular route at Eggishorn after the impressive climbing with a magnificent view of the Great Aletsch Glacier.

Map

SwissTopo maps: 1:25,000: 1269 Aletsch Glacier

Location and Contact

Via ferrata at Eggishorn
3992 Bettmeralp