{"id":64315,"date":"2026-04-08T18:10:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T16:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/via-ferrata-2026-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-05-29T11:40:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T09:40:39","slug":"via-ferrata-2026-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/en\/via-ferrata-2026-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Via Ferrata 2026: Your Guide to Getting Started"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section_slide=&#8221;no&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]\n<h4><a href=\"\/?cat=798\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Action Sports<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator type=&#8221;normal&#8221; color=&#8221;#3b3b3c&#8221; border_style=&#8221;&#8221; thickness=&#8221;2&#8243; down=&#8221;30&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section_slide=&#8221;no&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;60780&#8243; img_size=&#8221;200&#215;200&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; qode_css_animation=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;ibs-wappen&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;10px&#8221;][vc_column_text]AUTHOR:[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;10px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 18pt;\">Elias Kollb\u00f6ck<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;10px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<em><span style=\"font-family: Merriweather;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/en\/experts\/elias-kollboeck\/\">View profile &rsaquo;&rsaquo;<\/a><\/span><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;30px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<p style=\"display:inline-block;background:#00FFFF;color:#1a2a2e;padding:4px 14px;border-radius:20px;font-size:0.85em;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:18px;\">6 Min. Reading time<\/p>\n<p><strong>1.000 meters above the valley, a steel cable in hand and the next foothold only three centimeters wide. Via Ferratas are the fastest route from hiker to alpinist. Over 1.000 via ferratas await you in the Alpine region. But: 54 percent of all emergencies occur due to overexertion. This guide shows you how to start safely in 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"position:relative;margin:28px 0 32px;padding:24px 28px 20px;background:linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(0,255,255,0.06) 0%, rgba(149,200,219,0.08) 100%);border-radius:12px;border-left:4px solid #00FFFF;overflow:hidden;\">\n<div style=\"position:absolute;top:-8px;right:-8px;opacity:0.07;font-size:120px;line-height:1;font-weight:900;color:#00FFFF;pointer-events:none;\">&#9889;<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"line-height:1.3;margin:0 0 16px 0;font-size:1.4em;color:#1a2a2e;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pfeil.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:28px;height:28px;opacity:0.8;\"> Short Sprint<\/h2>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 0 20px;list-style:none;\">\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:6px 0 6px 8px;line-height:1.6;color:#333;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.12);\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:-16px;color:#00D4D4;font-weight:700;\">&#x25B8;<\/span> Over 1.000 via ferratas in the Alpine region, of which 100+ are in Bavaria alone<\/li>\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:6px 0 6px 8px;line-height:1.6;color:#333;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.12);\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:-16px;color:#00D4D4;font-weight:700;\">&#x25B8;<\/span> Complete equipment (set, harness, helmet) from around 250 Euro<\/li>\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:6px 0 6px 8px;line-height:1.6;color:#333;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.12);\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:-16px;color:#00D4D4;font-weight:700;\">&#x25B8;<\/span> Difficulty scale A to F \u2013 beginners start at B<\/li>\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:6px 0 6px 8px;line-height:1.6;color:#333;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.12);\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:-16px;color:#00D4D4;font-weight:700;\">&#x25B8;<\/span> 54 percent of all emergencies are due to overexertion (DAV mountain accident statistics)<\/li>\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:6px 0 6px 8px;line-height:1.6;color:#333;\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:-16px;color:#00D4D4;font-weight:700;\">&#x25B8;<\/span> Season April to October \u2013 best entry period: June and September<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:16px;margin:32px 0;flex-wrap:wrap;\">\n<div style=\"flex:1;min-width:120px;text-align:center;background:#d6eaf0;border-radius:8px;padding:20px 12px;border-top:3px solid #00D4D4;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:28px;font-weight:700;color:#1a2a2e;\">1.000+<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:4px;\">Via ferratas in the Alps<\/div><\/div>\n<div style=\"flex:1;min-width:120px;text-align:center;background:#d6eaf0;border-radius:8px;padding:20px 12px;border-top:3px solid #00D4D4;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:28px;font-weight:700;color:#1a2a2e;\">1,57 Mio.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:4px;\">DAV members (2024)<\/div><\/div>\n<div style=\"flex:1;min-width:120px;text-align:center;background:#d6eaf0;border-radius:8px;padding:20px 12px;border-top:3px solid #00D4D4;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:28px;font-weight:700;color:#1a2a2e;\">54 %<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:4px;\">Emergencies due to overexertion<\/div><\/div>\n<div style=\"flex:1;min-width:120px;text-align:center;background:#d6eaf0;border-radius:8px;padding:20px 12px;border-top:3px solid #00D4D4;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:28px;font-weight:700;color:#1a2a2e;\">~250 \u20ac<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:4px;\">Equipment entry cost<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:0.8em;color:#999;margin-top:-20px;\">Sources: DAV mountain accident statistics 2020\/21, alpenverein.de (2024)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">What is a via ferrata?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What is a via ferrata?<\/strong> A via ferrata (Italian: Via Ferrata, literally \u201ciron path\u201d) is a climbing route secured with steel cables, ladders, clamps and foot holds. You move along the steel cable and secure yourself with a special via ferrata set. Unlike free climbing, you are continuously protected \u2013 provided you clip in correctly.<\/p>\n<p>The history goes back to the First World War. Italian and Austrian soldiers laid supply routes through the Dolomites, fixing steel cables and ladders to sheer rock faces. What began as a military necessity turned after the war into a mountain sport. Today, via ferratas are the bridge between hiking and climbing: you don\u2019t need years of climbing experience, but you do need more than hiking boots and a good will.<\/p>\n<p>The boom continues. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alpenverein.de\/verband\/ueber-den-dav\/der-dav-in-zahlen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">German Alpine Club<\/a> counts 1,57 million members (as of 2024). Across the Alpine region there are over 1.000 via ferratas. In Austria alone over 400, in the Bavarian Alps over 100. New routes are added each year, often featuring spectacular elements such as suspension bridges or zip lines. Anyone who has already tried <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/en\/bouldering-2026-the-complete-guide-to-germany-8217-s-no-1-trend-sport\/\">indoor bouldering<\/a> will find the via ferrata the logical next step outdoors.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">The Difficulty Scale: From A to F<\/h2>\n<p>The so\u2011called H\u00fcsler Scale (named after Swiss author Eugen H\u00fcsler) classifies via\u2011ferrata routes into six grades. Unlike rock\u2011climbing grades, it rates not only technical difficulty but also physical demand and exposure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A (easy):<\/strong> Secured hiking trail. Wire rope serves as a handrail, no steep sections. Suitable for sure\u2011footed hikers who want to test the rock.<\/p>\n<p><strong>B (moderately difficult):<\/strong> Steeper sections, some vertical ladders. A bit of arm strength required. The ideal entry level for anyone who means business.<\/p>\n<p><strong>C (difficult):<\/strong> Vertical to slightly overhanging sections. Good arm strength, climbing experience and no fear of heights are prerequisites.<\/p>\n<p><strong>D (very difficult):<\/strong> Long overhangs, high demands on strength and endurance. Only for experienced via\u2011ferrata hikers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>E and F (extreme):<\/strong> Long, power\u2011draining overhangs. Via\u2011ferrata fitness required. For pros with regular climbing practice.<\/p>\n<p>For your first go: pick a route graded B. That gives you genuine via\u2011ferrata feeling\u2014steel cable and ladders\u2014but no sections that will send you into a panic. Remember: the grade says nothing about length or approach. A short B\u2011via\u2011ferrata with a 30\u2011minute approach feels completely different from a B route that demands a two\u2011hour climb up first.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Gear: What You Really Need<\/h2>\n<p>The good news: via\u2011ferrata gear is limited and cheaper than most sports in this league. You only need four items besides your mountain boots:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Via\u2011ferrata set (70 to 190 Euro):<\/strong> The core piece. Two carabiners on elastic arms that attach to the harness. The set catches a fall and dissipates energy through an energy\u2011absorbing rope. Look for the current standard EN 958:2017 when buying. Proven models: Edelrid Cable Kit, Petzl Scorpio, Salewa Ergo Tex.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Harness (40 to 80 Euro):<\/strong> A simple waist harness is enough for via\u2011ferrata. You don\u2019t need a chest strap or a high\u2011end model. Important: the harness must fit so you can slide a flat hand between the belt and your hip.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Helmet (40 to 70 Euro):<\/strong> Rockfall happens, especially when other climbers are above you on the route. The helmet is non\u2011optional, even on easy routes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Via\u2011ferrata gloves (15 to 30 Euro):<\/strong> The steel cable is rough, and after two hours without gloves you\u2019ll know why. Finger\u2011free designs offer the best balance of protection and grip feel.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#F7F9E4;border:1px solid #eef0d8;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0;\">\n  <strong style=\"color:#1a2a2e;\">Tip for beginners:<\/strong> Borrow instead of buying. Many DAV sections and mountain\u2011sport shops rent complete via\u2011ferrata kits for 15 to 25 Euro per day. After three outings you\u2019ll know whether to invest. Buying the full set runs about 250 Euro.\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Your first via ferrata in five steps<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Step 1: Take a course.<\/strong> DAV sections and mountain schools offer beginner courses starting at 40 Euro. In one day you learn: fitting the via ferrata set, clipping onto the intermediate anchor, walking on the cable, ladder climbing and what to do during thunderstorms. That cannot be replaced by a YouTube video. On the rock there is no pause button.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 2: Build fitness.<\/strong> Via ferratas mainly demand grip strength, upper\u2011body endurance and sure footing. A solid preparation program: twice a week do pull\u2011ups or rowing for the upper body. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/en\/dead-hang\/\">Dead hangs<\/a> for grip strength, at least 30 seconds straight. And regularly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/en\/hiking-in-spring\/\">hike on uneven terrain<\/a> for foot stability. Three to four weeks before your first tour, you should intensify.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 3: Choose a route.<\/strong> Difficulty B, short approach (under an hour), well documented. Online databases such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.via-ferrata.de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">via-ferrata.de<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/klettersteig.de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">klettersteig.de<\/a> show difficulty, length, approach and current conditions. Read other climbers\u2019 reviews and watch for notes about remaining snow or closed sections.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 4: Check the weather.<\/strong> Via ferratas and thunderstorms are a life\u2011threatening combination. The steel cable acts as a lightning rod \u2013 and you\u2019re hanging from it. At the same time, moisture makes the rock slippery and the iron rungs slick. Rule of thumb: if the afternoon forecast is uncertain, start early or stay down. Better postpone a tour than get stuck on wet rock.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 5: Partner check.<\/strong> At the start: check each other. Harness buckle properly closed, via ferrata set securely clipped to the harness, helmet sits without wobble. It takes 60 seconds and can prevent everything. Anyone familiar with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/en\/breathing-techniques-boost-performance-like-navy-seals-and-professionals\/\">breathwork techniques<\/a> can take three deep breaths before the start to calm the pulse.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">The three most common mistakes on a via ferrata<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Mistake 1: Route too hard.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alpenverein.de\/verband\/presse\/hintergrundinfos\/zahlen-und-fakten-zum-klettersteiggehen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DAV mountain accident statistics<\/a> are clear: 54 percent of all via ferrata emergencies stem from blockages. The person cannot move forward or backward, hangs on the rope and needs help. This almost always results from an overly ambitious route choice. Rule of thumb: better pick a route one grade easier and have fun than a route one grade too hard and call the mountain rescue.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mistake 2: Arms instead of legs.<\/strong> Many beginners pull themselves up on the steel cable. That works for the first 20 minutes. After that the forearms burn and you still have an hour ahead. The solution: climb with your legs, use the cable only for balance. Stiff\u2011soled mountaineering boots with a rigid toe help enormously because you can stand securely on tiny steps. About 70 percent of a via ferrata is tackled with the legs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mistake 3: No plan B.<\/strong> What do you do if the weather turns bad? If you realize the route is too hard? If your partner can\u2019t continue? Think it through beforehand, not only when you\u2019re on the rock. Most via ferratas have emergency descent routes. Know where they are in advance. And: turning back is not a defeat. The most experienced alpinists are those who have turned around most often.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Via ferratas are one of the best ways to discover mountain sports for yourself. You don\u2019t need years of climbing experience, extreme fitness, or equipment costing thousands of euros. What you need: a course, the right route, and respect for the mountain. The season starts now. With the right start you\u2019ll understand why via ferrata enthusiasts say: the ascent is the training, the view from the summit the reward.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<div style=\"margin-top:20px;padding:28px 25px 8px;background:linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(0,212,212,0.08) 0%, rgba(149,200,219,0.12) 100%);border-radius:12px;border-left:4px solid #00FFFF;\">\n<h2 style=\"line-height:1.3;margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:1.4em;color:#1a2a2e;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pfeil.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:28px;height:28px;opacity:0.8;\"> Cool-down<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;font-size:0.88em;color:#666;\">Click a question to expand the answer.<\/p>\n<details style=\"margin:0 !important;padding:0 !important;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.15);background:transparent !important;\">\n<summary style=\"display:flex !important;align-items:center !important;justify-content:flex-start !important;gap:12px !important;padding:16px 4px !important;cursor:pointer;list-style:none !important;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;color:#1a2a2e;line-height:1.4;text-align:left !important;margin:0 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pfeil.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:18px;height:18px;min-width:18px;opacity:0.6;transform:rotate(-90deg);transition:transform 0.3s ease;\" class=\"ibs-faq-arrow\"> How fit do I need to be for my first via ferrata?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 0 18px 30px;color:#333;line-height:1.7;font-size:0.96em;text-align:left;\">You should be able to hang from a pull\u2011up bar for 30 seconds (dead hang) and complete a two\u2011hour hike with 500\u202fm of elevation gain. That\u2019s enough for a B\u2011grade via ferrata with a short approach. Anyone who does regular strength training or boulders already has the necessary basic fitness.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"margin:0 !important;padding:0 !important;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.15);background:transparent !important;\">\n<summary style=\"display:flex !important;align-items:center !important;justify-content:flex-start !important;gap:12px !important;padding:16px 4px !important;cursor:pointer;list-style:none !important;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;color:#1a2a2e;line-height:1.4;text-align:left !important;margin:0 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pfeil.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:18px;height:18px;min-width:18px;opacity:0.6;transform:rotate(-90deg);transition:transform 0.3s ease;\" class=\"ibs-faq-arrow\"> Can I go on a via ferrata alone?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 0 18px 30px;color:#333;line-height:1.7;font-size:0.96em;text-align:left;\">Technically yes, but it\u2019s not recommended. On a via ferrata there\u2019s no belay partner as in climbing, yet a companion can assist in emergencies, blockages and with the partner check at the start. DAV sections regularly organise group tours for beginners.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"margin:0 !important;padding:0 !important;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.15);background:transparent !important;\">\n<summary style=\"display:flex !important;align-items:center !important;justify-content:flex-start !important;gap:12px !important;padding:16px 4px !important;cursor:pointer;list-style:none !important;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;color:#1a2a2e;line-height:1.4;text-align:left !important;margin:0 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pfeil.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:18px;height:18px;min-width:18px;opacity:0.6;transform:rotate(-90deg);transition:transform 0.3s ease;\" class=\"ibs-faq-arrow\"> From what age are via ferratas possible?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 0 18px 30px;color:#333;line-height:1.7;font-size:0.96em;text-align:left;\">Generally from about 10 to 12\u202fyears old, with appropriate gear and adult supervision. Important: standard via ferrata sets are designed for a minimum weight of 40\u202fkg (EN\u202f958:2017). Lighter individuals need special children\u2019s systems.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"margin:0 !important;padding:0 !important;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.15);background:transparent !important;\">\n<summary style=\"display:flex !important;align-items:center !important;justify-content:flex-start !important;gap:12px !important;padding:16px 4px !important;cursor:pointer;list-style:none !important;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;color:#1a2a2e;line-height:1.4;text-align:left !important;margin:0 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pfeil.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:18px;height:18px;min-width:18px;opacity:0.6;transform:rotate(-90deg);transition:transform 0.3s ease;\" class=\"ibs-faq-arrow\"> How much does a beginner via ferrata course with the DAV cost?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 0 18px 30px;color:#333;line-height:1.7;font-size:0.96em;text-align:left;\">Between \u20ac40 and \u20ac80 for a one\u2011day course at a DAV section. Private mountain schools charge \u20ac80 to \u20ac150 per person. The course usually includes rental equipment and supervision by a certified mountain guide. DAV members receive discounts.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"margin:0 !important;padding:0 !important;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,212,212,0.15);background:transparent !important;\">\n<summary style=\"display:flex !important;align-items:center !important;justify-content:flex-start !important;gap:12px !important;padding:16px 4px !important;cursor:pointer;list-style:none !important;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;color:#1a2a2e;line-height:1.4;text-align:left !important;margin:0 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.inspiredbysports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pfeil.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:18px;height:18px;min-width:18px;opacity:0.6;transform:rotate(-90deg);transition:transform 0.3s ease;\" class=\"ibs-faq-arrow\"> How long does a typical via ferrata take?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 0 18px 30px;color:#333;line-height:1.7;font-size:0.96em;text-align:left;\">A short beginner via ferrata (grade\u202fB) takes 1 to 2\u202fhours on the route itself. Add the approach and descent, which can range from 30\u202fminutes to 2\u202fhours depending on the line. Plan half a day for your first via ferrata, including breaks.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<style>\ndetails summary::-webkit-details-marker,details summary::marker{display:none !important;content:\"\" !important;}\ndetails[open] .ibs-faq-arrow{transform:rotate(0deg) !important;opacity:1 !important;}\ndetails summary:hover{color:#00D4D4 !important;}\ndetails[open]>summary{color:#00D4D4 !important;}\n.wpb_wrapper details::after,.wpb_wrapper details::before,.wpb_wrapper summary::after,.wpb_wrapper summary::before{display:none !important;content:none !important;background:none !important;width:0 !important;height:0 !important;}\n<\/style>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><em>Source cover image: Pexels \/ Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto (px:11034345)<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over 1,000 via ferrata routes await in the Alps. 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