Baltschieder Via Ferrata | Via ferrata | Swiss Alpine Club SAC
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Baltschieder Via Ferrata Wiwannihütte 2470 m

  • Difficulty
    K4-5
  • Ascent
    2:45 h, 680 m
  • Mountain Experience
    3 / 4
  • Power
    2 / 4
  • Endurance
    3 / 4
  • Psyche
    2 / 4

Sometimes everything just fits together, the journey, the weather, and the destination: in this case a wonderfully hospitable hut. It has the funny name of Wiwanni, and the valley through which one climbs up to it is certainly one of the most beautiful in the Bernese Alps: the Baltschieder. The Via ferrata, created by Egi Feller and his mountain guide colleagues in the 1990s, is known as a route that blends seamlessly into the grandiose scenery in its logically unbounded line. It also offers some nice exposure on the large tower. In early summer, the striking rib of land over which the via ferrata runs above a sea of flowers, unfolds with increasing height the great scenery of the Baltschiedertal. But the tour through this wild basin is more than just a climbing experience. The approach alone is a bit of an adventure as it follows the "Niwärch", one of the many ancient aqueducts of Vallais, over which glacier water was directed to the fields near the village in earlier times. As early as the start of the 20th century, more than 200 of these waterways with a total length of 1750 kilometres were counted! Many have long since expired, but during the last few decades, the importance of this cultural heritage has been recognised, and numerous aqueducts have therefore been reconstructed or restored.

Route description

Baltschieder Via Ferrata
The via ferrata starts with a few vertical, but well-secured sections of climbing. Then a partly grassy slope (flowers!) where the terrain is less demanding, but the situation is impressive nonetheless. The distinctive tower, the key point of the route, is slowly approaching. Over a long row of iron pins you climb with increasing exposure towards it. Cross just below the summit to its right. The airy traverse here is followed by a short descent, also well secured. A deep gap forces you to do the splits - easier for the tall. Pass this, then follow various iron aids up the final rocky steps and into the steep grass. The cable continues to lead uphill to the height of Wiwannihütte (2463 m) after which you must traverse (danger: in spring expect snow!).

Additional information

Character

A long, demanding via ferrata; with tough sections near the beginning and at the distinctive tower. There are also a lot of grassy ledges in between the hard bits , so only advisable in dry weather. The route is sufficiently secured with cables and iron rungs. In early summer, you should expect old snow at the top. Then you must climb with caution for a while and cross a little higher to Wiwannihütte.

Time

Total time: 8 hrs. Approach: 2¾ hrs. Via ferrata: 2¾ hrs. Descent: 2½ hrs.

Signalisation

White-red-white footpaths, white-blue-white on the ferrata.

Descent

Follow the Wiwanni hut path back to Ausserberg.

Author

Eugen Hüsler

Eugen E. Hüsler is a Zurich born author and photographer. He has written around 70 via ferrata, hiking and cycling guides and illustrated books. His many publications on via ferrata have led to the nickname “Klettersteig-Papst“ (Via Ferrata Pope).

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