10 Interesting Facts about Via Ferratas
Via Ferratas are secured alpine routes that offer an exciting and accessible way to experience adventurous climbing. These routes, combining hiking, climbing, and stunning landscapes, have captured the hearts of nature lovers worldwide. Here are 10 interesting facts about Via Ferratas.
- 1. The First Via Ferrata
The first Via Ferratas were built in 1915, when Italian and Austrian units created secured paths in the Dolomites to facilitate the movement of soldiers through dangerous mountainous terrains. Some of these historical routes are still in use and can be visited today. - 2. The Largest Area of Via Ferratas
The largest number of Via Ferratas can be found in the Dolomites in Italy, specifically in the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. In the Dolomites, there are over 170 Via Ferratas. This number could be even larger, as new routes are regularly added. Some of the most well-known and challenging routes include "Via Ferrata Cesare Piazzetta" (E), "Via Ferrata Tridentina" (C), or "Via Ferrata Tommaselli" (D). - 3. The Longest Via Ferrata
Probably the longest Via Ferrata in the world is "La Via Ferrata de La Clapière" in the Alpe d'Huez area in France. It measures approximately 2200 meters, which is 2.2 kilometers. - 4. The Most Difficult Via Ferratas
* One of the most challenging Via Ferratas in the world is "Via Ferrata delle Bocchette" in the Dolomites in Italy. However, different sources cite different Via Ferratas as the most difficult depending on the exact criteria.
* The specific route "Via Ferrata Roc del Quer" in Andorra is considered very demanding. It has a difficulty rating of category D/E and is approximately 600 meters long.
* Also, "Via Ferrata Huaraz" in Peru is often mentioned as very challenging, mainly due to the high altitudes (around 3000 meters above sea level). - 5. Via Ferratas at Highest Altitudes
* Via Ferrata de los Andes: Located in Peru, in the Huaraz area in the Cordillera Blanca. This ferrata starts at around 3600 meters altitude and can ascend to heights of around 4000 meters.
* The highest known Via Ferrata in Europe is on the western slope of Mont Blanc in France. This route reaches heights over 3800 meters.
* The Low’s Peak Circuit in Malaysia is among the highest-altitude Via Ferrata routes in the world (over 3700 meters above sea level on the island of Borneo). - 6. Via Ferratas on Ice, Snow, or in Caves
* Ice and Snow: Typical Via Ferratas are usually on rocks and are less common on ice and snow. However, there are winter variants of Via Ferratas, especially in the Alps, where routes are used even in winter conditions. An example is the "Rotstock Via Ferrata" on the Eiger in Switzerland, which can be climbed in winter but requires special equipment and skills.
* Caves: There are several Via Ferrata routes that pass through caves or offer underground sections. An example is the "Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni" in Italy, which passes through a canyon and has sections in caves and waterfalls. It has a difficulty of C/D and a length of about 1200 meters. - 7. The Longest Tibetan Bridge
The longest Tibetan bridge on a Via Ferrata is on the "Sentiero dei Fiori" trail in Italy. This bridge is 55 meters long and offers breathtaking views but also requires nerves of steel! - 8. Exoticism and Via Ferratas
An exotic location for a Via Ferrata is one located on the island of Bora Bora. Climbing with views of fairytale lagoons and coral reefs is a unique experience. The location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean adds exclusivity and a sense of being far from civilization. - 9. The First Via Ferrata in North America
The first Via Ferrata in North America is located in the picturesque mountain town of Telluride in Colorado, USA. This route represents a fascinating combination of history, natural beauty, and adrenaline. - 10. The Most Via Ferratas in Asian Countries
The situation regarding Via Ferratas in Asia is changing rapidly, and the number of routes is rapidly increasing.
* China: Has a developing network of Via Ferratas, mainly in mountainous areas like the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Hunan. The number of routes is growing, with currently over twenty cited.
* Malaysia: Specifically in the area of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is one of the most significant and largest Via Ferratas on the Asian continent. The total number is estimated at 43.
* Japan: Currently has several interesting Via Ferrata projects, especially in mountainous regions. The number of routes could be estimated in several tens. The most famous is on Mount Hōken.