Hochjoch via ferrata

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).

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 

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

vorarlberg.travel/safety-tips

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)

The via ferrata is very well secured with steel cables.

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