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Bergsport Südalpen
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View from the via ferrataPhoto: Hannes Lexer & Birgit Ortner, Bergsport Südalpen
A varied, panoramic via ferrata in the alpine setting of the Gartnerkofel massif near Nassfeld.
- Short approach thanks to the option of taking the Gartnerkofelbahn
- Three rope bridges—including the spectacular Nepal Bridge
- Stunning views of the surrounding Carnic Alps
In about 1 hour and 45 minutes, this varied via ferrata loop leads from the Gartnerkofelbahn mountain station along the hiking trail toward Gartnerkofel, then continues uphill to the start of the via ferrata (approach time: about 25 minutes), and subsequently along the via ferrata (total time on the via ferrata: about 1 hour).
The return route also follows the scenic hiking trail back to the starting point (time required for the descent: about 20 minutes).
Author’s recommendation
- You can also combine your via ferrata experience on the Däumling with a subsequent climb to the summit of the Gartnerkofel, the Gartnerkofel South Summit, or several other peaks.
- Crossing the first rope bridge is the biggest mental challenge for some hikers during the tour, as it requires a fair amount of balance and body tension.
- After the Nepal Bridge, there is an “emergency exit”—you can also use this as the starting point for the via ferrata if you want to bypass the two long rope bridges.
- If you decide to walk back to the Nassfeld Pass, you’ll pass by the Gailtaler Käsealm and the Watschiger Alm, both of which are staffed (note the seasonal opening hours). You’ll also find numerous other places to stop for refreshments in Nassfeld and Tröpolach, including some that are open year-round.
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Numerous starting points/options for the ascent:
- On foot or by bike from the state border up the gravel forest road to the Gartnerkofelbahn mountain station
- Take the Gartnerkofel gondola and much more.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Requirements for via ferrata climbing, and specifically for climbing the Däumling via ferrata:
- Appropriate, standard-compliant equipment is essential for a safe via ferrata experience.
- It is essential to observe the weight range specified for via ferrata sets (40 kg to 120 kg).
- Sure-footedness
- No fear of heights
- Willingness to cross rope bridges.
- When planning your tour—especially during peak season—allow a little extra time for the via ferrata; due to high traffic, there may occasionally be wait times.
Tips and suggestions
On our tour portal you’ll find additional route descriptions, more photos of this rewarding via ferrata, and much more.
Would you like to try via ferrata yourself and need professional guidance? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Roadbook
Access – starting from the Gartnerkofelbahn upper station:
Hike to the left—along a few switchbacks up a rocky, steep slope—toward the Gartnerkofel.
Before reaching the chairlift’s top station, turn right and follow the trail toward Däumling (the hiking trail straight ahead or to the left leads to the summit of the Gartnerkofel).
You’ll reach a rest area—put on your via ferrata gear—and follow the path slightly downhill, along the safety ropes, to the first three-rope bridge.
Via Ferrata Route:
The via ferrata, rated C in difficulty (primarily B/C difficulty—with two C sections), runs over rock towers, mostly following the rocky ridge, for approximately 500 m and 150 hm.
The route begins at a three-rope bridge above a scree gully and then leads you over steep, partly flat sections to the Däumling plateau.
You then cross the approximately 40-meter-long Nepal Bridge (located at a height of about 30 meters). This is followed by a section rated A/B or B in difficulty, as well as the option to exit the via ferrata at the “emergency exit” (or to join the via ferrata here).
You’ll reach the highest point of this rock tower and then follow the route up the next, steeply rising rock face. Once you reach the rock crevice—which offers a fantastic view—you’ll have left the most challenging sections of the via ferrata behind you and will cross the following short three-rope bridge toward the exit.
From the end of the rope-secured via ferrata, a short trail leads to a resting area where you can remove your via ferrata gear.
Return route/further route:
From the rest area, continue straight ahead along the trail for a short distance, then either turn left, downhill toward the Gartnerkofelbahn mountain station (the descent from here takes about 20 minutes) or choose to climb to the summit of the Gartnerkofel or the Gartnerkofel South Summit and turn right (the “extra effort” for either summit is estimated at about 50 minutes (walking time for the ascent to the summit and the return trip near the rest area)).
Directions
Traveling by car:
Drive along the B111 (Gailtal Road) to Tröpolach—from there, take the B90 (Nassfeld Pass Road) to the L22a/B90 intersection—here, turn right onto the L22a toward Sonnleitn (a few meters before the Gartnerkofelbahn valley station), or continue straight ahead toward the Nassfeld Pass. Just before the state border, a paved side road leads uphill to the left toward Watschiger Alm.
Public Transportation:
Travel by public transportation without using the mountain railway is currently not possible (except by taxi). Take the bus to Tröpolach, and from there take the gondola (Millennium Express) to the Treßdorfer Alm station. From there, it’s about a 2-km walk to the valley station of the Gartnerkofelbahn, or a few more minutes’ walk to the Nassfeld Pass.
Parking
There are plenty of free parking spaces at the Gartnerkofelbahn valley station—right next to the L22a.
If you decide to hike up without taking the gondola, there are also plenty of free parking spaces at the Watschiger Alm and just before the Alm, as well as right at the Nassfeld Pass.
Coordinates
Equipment
- Shoes with a grippy, treaded sole
- Climbing harness
- Standard-compliant via ferrata set
- Climbing helmet
- and much more
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions