One of the best Via ferratas in Switzerland: The Klettersteig Mürren-Gimmelwald:
Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland is home to some of the most exciting Via ferratas in Switzerland. It is famous for its striking mountains, verdant valleys, and scenic villages, and the Klettersteig Mürren-Gimmelwald is one of the region’s most thrilling ways to explore it. Nestled between the villages of Mürren and Gimmelwald, this via ferrata is a thrilling, 2.2-kilometer route that takes adventurers along exposed ledges and across suspension bridges. It also showcases some of the most iconic views of the Alps. For those with a love of heights and a taste for adventure, this route offers a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience unlike any other.
Location and Access
The Klettersteig Mürren-Gimmelwald is right in the heart of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, an area called the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls” for its impressive cascades. Mürren, a car-free alpine village perched at 1,638 meters, is reachable via train and cable car from Lauterbrunnen. From Mürren, you can access the Klettersteig via a marked trailhead.
The route winds its way along steep cliffs, leading down to Gimmelwald at 1,367 meters. Gimmelwald, another car-free village, is known for its traditional Swiss charm, mountain views, and stunning isolation. Adventurers can finish the route in Gimmelwald and take a cable car back to Lauterbrunnen, making it easy to explore.
Route Highlights
The Mürren-Gimmelwald via ferrata stands out for its intense exposure and stunning scenery. With a difficulty rating of K3, it’s moderate enough for people with some climbing experience, but it still poses challenges with vertical cliffs, narrow ledges, and heart-stopping drops.
One of the route’s most iconic features is the 80-meter-long suspension bridge that spans across a gaping chasm in the rock face. Suspended over a 600-meter drop, this bridge offers views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, making it one of the most scenic and memorable sections. Additionally, there are ladders, pegs, and cables throughout the route, providing a mix of thrilling climbs and breathtaking panoramas.
Other highlights include the chance to see diverse Alpine flora and fauna along the trail, particularly in late spring and summer. Wildflowers bloom and chamois, ibex, and marmots can be seen on nearby slopes.
Required Gear and Safety Tips
As with any via ferrata, safety is paramount. Climbers must have a proper via ferrata kit, including a helmet, climbing harness, and a Y-shaped lanyard with two carabiners that attach to the route’s safety cables. Sturdy, lightweight hiking boots with good grip are essential for traversing rocky terrain, and gloves can provide protection for your hands on steel rungs and cables. The Klettersteig Mürren-Gimmelwald isn’t the most technically challenging route but its sheer drops can be scary. It’s recommended for those with a good head for heights and some via ferrata experience. It may be best to hire a guide, especially to help with the technical sections and ensure safe passage across the bridge and other exposed areas.
Since the route is heavily exposed to the elements, it’s best to avoid climbing during wet or stormy weather. The steel rungs and ladders can become slippery, and the experience can become more dangerous when visibility is low.
A Step-by-Step Guide Through the Route
The Mürren-Gimmelwald via ferrata is divided into distinct sections, each with unique features and challenges:
- Starting in Mürren: After reaching Mürren, follow the signs leading to the via ferrata trailhead. Here, you’ll find an information board with the route’s difficulty and requirements. After securing your gear, you’ll encounter the first section, a set of exposed ledges and pegs along the cliff face. This opening section quickly immerses climbers in the experience with immediate, dizzying heights.
- The Traversing Section: As you progress, you’ll move along narrow ledges that cling to the cliffside. The Lauterbrunnen Valley stretches out below, offering one of the most unforgettable viewpoints along the entire route. This section requires a bit of balance, but the cable provides ample support. The thrill here comes from the vast expanse below and the sheer drops that characterize much of this route.
- The suspension bridge
- The most famous part of the Klettersteig Mürren-Gimmelwald is the suspension bridge. Reaching this section can feel like a rite of passage as the bridge offers both excitement and a test of nerves. At 80 meters long, it spans a vast gap in the cliff with just a narrow walkway and steel cables for support. For many, this moment is the highlight of the climb, offering a breathtaking blend of exhilaration and unparalleled views.
- After the bridge, the route has a series of ladders and pegs that make for a challenging climb. These vertical sections need strength and stamina, but the views continue to reward every step upward.
- The route finishes with a easy descent down toward Gimmelwald, which gradually brings climbers back down to a more comfortable height. The views over Gimmelwald are great, and as you near the end, the sense of accomplishment and exhilaration only adds to the beauty of the surroundings.
Best Time to try one of the best Via ferratas in Switzerland
The best time to tackle the Mürren-Gimmelwald via ferrata is between June and October. In early summer, wildflowers add color to the land, while late summer and autumn bring clear skies and cooler temperatures. Since the route is quite exposed, climbing in the afternoon can be warm, so setting out in the morning offers a cooler, quieter experience. In winter, this route is closed due to snow and ice, as it becomes too dangerous to navigate.
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The Surrounding Area
Beyond the via ferrata, Mürren and Gimmelwald offer plenty of ways to experience Bernese Oberland. Mürren, with its quaint chalets and alpine hotels, is a popular base for visitors who want to explore nearby hiking trails, try paragliding, or take in views from the famous Schilthorn summit, known for its revolving restaurant.
Gimmelwald, a small village, is a perfect place to relax after the adventure. Its authentic Swiss atmosphere provide a peaceful contrast to the intensity of one the most exciting via ferratas in Switzerland. You can also catch the cable car down to Stechelberg, from where buses connect to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Memorable Adventure
- Start Early: Begin the route in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds on the bridge and ladder sections.
- Stay Hydrated: The route is short but its challenges can be physically demanding. Carry plenty of water and a few energy snacks for breaks.
- Know Your Limits: The route isn’t extreme but it can be intense due to the heights. If you’re uncomfortable with heights or unsure of your abilities, consider hiring a guide.
- Respect the Environment: The Lauterbrunnen Valley is a protected natural area, so be mindful of local wildlife and leave no trace.
A Unique Way to Experience Switzerland’s Alps
The Klettersteig Mürren-Gimmelwald via ferrata is a must for adventure seekers and alpine enthusiasts. Combining thrilling heights with unmatched views of the Swiss Alps, it’s an experience that stays with climbers long after the climb is complete.
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