Via Ferrata In Spain

Spain: the land of sun and sandy beaches and, as it happens, via ferrata. You might not think of Spain for its mountains, although it does share the Pyrenees with France. However, there are some via ferrata routes near the coast and in the rocky spires of Andalucia that are genuinely amazing.

For example, the Via Ferrata Cerro Virgen de Gracia is a straightforward climb to a 14th century sanctuary at over 900m above sea level. It’s great for beginners and there’s almost no walk in – you can basically step out of a hotel and onto the via ferrata if you want.

For something a little different, Catalonia’s Costa Brava boasts the only via ferrata by the sea in Europe. The Cala del Molí via ferrata climbs right along the coast – you’ll be hanging out over turquoise waves and get to cross between inlets and islands on long wire bridges.

Via Ferrata In Switzerland

Switzerland is an alpine country through and through. It’s defined by its mountains (okay and occasionally by its cheese) so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of via ferrata to try. In the high mountains there are many routes that are simply the way between A and B – albeit an exciting one. You might even stray into neighbouring Italy or Austria on a multi-day mountain tour. 

Speaking of cheese, there is an excellent via ferrata close to the town of Gruyères. However, it’s not one for beginners. The ascent of Moléson via ferrata involves several overhanging sections, vertical ascent and traverses on the North Wall of Moleson. The rock face catches the afternoon sun in summer – but don’t miss the last cable car back down to civilisation. There is a small charge which goes towards the upkeep of the route.

Via Ferrata In France

From my personal experience, the via ferrata in France is often about steep climbs and dizzying exposure. I did the Baus de la Frema in the Maritime Alps that involved a huge pinnacle-spanning bridge and shimmying along two slack metal cables above a stomach turning drop. Madness.

There are plenty more via ferrata in France though. The Pyrenees have plenty – although not quite so many as the Alps. And we might sneak in a mention for the tiny mountainous country of Andorra here as well, wedged between France and Spain in the Pyrenees. With peaks on all sides, there are plenty of free-to-access via ferrata in all directions. 

For less mountainous areas that still have via ferrata options, how about Normandy? In the centre of “Norman Switzerland”, the Clecy via ferrata means you can traverse the cliffs above the River Orne on beams, rope bridges and cables towards the great viaduct. 

Or in the actual city of Grenoble itself, you can climb up the front of the Bastille: the ancient fortress that overlooks the city. While most tourists take the cable car or drive, you can feel smug topping out after 220m of ascent, monkey bridges and climbing the actual fort walls. 

Even More Via Ferrata in Europe

Well we’ve waxed lyrical and only managed to cover four countries… oops. Don’t worry. Here’s a sneaky few more places to try.

The Julian Alps, which make up a large proportion of Slovenia, have great via ferrata routes. They’re free and open to use just as part of the hiking trails – you’ll see them clearly marked on local maps. The most well known is the ascent of Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain, but there are plenty more that are just as exciting.

And one more before we grab our harness and run to the mountains: Austria. Like Italy, you’re spoilt for choice. But if you’re looking for a base town for day trips, you could do well with Innsbruck. In fact, the mountain ridge that dominates the Innsbruck skyline is a via ferrata route itself, with a cable car that takes you directly to the start. Ideal.

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Featured Image Credit: Trentino Marketing

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