Hochjoch via ferrata

At Hochjoch, via ferrata enthusiasts can expect two variants that impress both scenically and technically. While the physically demanding variation C leads you from Schwarzsee over the west wall to the summit of Hochjoch, on variation A/B you climb over the Hochalpila ridge with breathtaking views of the three mountain ranges Rätikon, Silvretta, and Verwall to Hochjoch. A highlight of the via ferrata is undoubtedly the 60 meter long rope suspension bridge shortly before the summit cross, which you can also bypass securely.

Approach: With the Hochjoch Bahn and the Sennigrat Bahn, you can comfortably get to the Sennigrat. From there, you first follow the marked trail (Hochjoch via ferrata) downwards. This passes the Kälbersee and continues to Schwarzsee, from where it takes about 20 minutes on a clearly visible, steep grassy path directly to the start.

Descent: The exit is located at the mountain station of the Hochalpila Bahn (limited summer operation). From here, a marked trail leads past the Wormser Hut to the mountain station of the Sennigrat Bahn, from where you return to the valley by chairlift and Hochjoch Bahn.

Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit and continue on Montafonerstraße L188 to Schruns. Follow the road into the town center, after the cemetery turn left to the Hochjoch Bahn valley station.

Just leave your car standing

The regional buses operate throughout Montafon. The main lines run every half hour from Schruns station.

Bus stop at the start/end of the route: Schruns Hochjoch Bahn/ lines 602, 603, 650, 670

(also possible: Schruns Zamang Bahn/ lines 602, 603, 650, 670)

You can also reach the Hochjoch Bahn valley station on foot in about 5 minutes from Schruns station. (about 20 minutes to the Zamang Bahn valley station)

Timetable: www.vmobil.at

Arrival by train to Montafon

The Montafon railway runs hourly (sometimes half-hourly) from Bludenz station. There are also direct connections from Lindau (Germany) and Bregenz.

Timetable: www.oebb.at

Hochjoch Bahn valley station (paid)

From the Sennigrat Bahn mountain station, follow the Hochjoch via ferrata hiking trail (passing underneath the lift) to the Kälbersee (about 20 minutes). From the Kälbersee, in about 15-20 minutes, pass by the Schwarzsee to the start of the via ferrata.

For the start of the slightly easier variation of the Hochjoch via ferrata, go directly from the Sennigrat mountain station to the Wormser Hut and continue to the Hochalpila Bahn mountain station.

You have two options to master the Hochjoch via ferrata. In both variations, the rope bridge can be bypassed.

In variation 1 (difficulty level C), you climb along the longest via ferrata in Vorarlberg with a rope length of 1,750 m.
Variation 2 is a shortened form of the ridge walk and also somewhat easier (difficulty level B).

Variation 1: Variation 2:

Facts about the via ferrata: Facts about the via ferrata:

Start: Near Schwarzsee Start: Hochalpila Bahn mountain station

Via ferrata duration: 4 hours Via ferrata duration: 3 hours

Length: 1,750 meters of rope length Length: 750 meters of rope length

Height difference: 450 Height difference: 100

Difficulty level C Difficulty level B

Exposure: south-southwest Exposure: south-southwest

The exit of the via ferrata tour is located at the Hochalpila Bahn. Afterwards, you walk on to the Kreuzjoch saddle and follow the signpost to the Wormser Hut and continue to the Sennigrat Bahn mountain station (about 40 minutes) or via the lake path (Seetal) to Kapell - Kapell Bahn mountain station (about 2 hours).

EMERGENCY CALL: 144
European emergency number: 112 (works with any mobile phone/network)

vorarlberg.travel/safety-tips

Complete climbing equipment (harness including via ferrata set, helmet, and gloves) as well as proper footwear (sturdy ankle-high mountain boots with good grip) are absolutely essential.

You should also always carry a backpack with provisions, sun and rain protection, and a first aid kit.

Via ferrata sets rental

Variation C is only recommended in dry conditions, as otherwise there is an increased risk of slipping in the earthy sections.

Schruns, Sennigrat Bahn mountain station

Schruns, Sennigrat Bahn mountain station