Just in time for the warm spring temperatures, a new via ferrata was opened at the beginning of May in St. Anton in the Montafon.

boarding

The easiest way is to travel by train and arrive in the middle of the village at the train station in St. Anton (632m), Attention: "in the Montafon" and not on the Arlberg. From here follow the L94 direction Jetzmunt / Bartholomäberg. At the end of the village next to the small bridge is the first sign that points to the via ferrata. After the forest road begins the ascent through the forest to the entry point. Altogether one needs from the station maximally 20 minutes to the entrance. The place at the lookout point is small, here stands however a bank, at which one can put on well his Klettersteig equipment. Behind it already begins the wire rope, alternately secured to the wire rope (difficulty A) or runs on the narrow trail up to the waterfall. Here is the real beginning of the via ferrata on a vertical wall next to the roaring waterfall. An idyllic place that offers ideal cooling on hot summer days. If it has rained a lot in advance, the earthy forest floor now sticks to the hiking boots. Before boarding, you should scrape off his soles again, so as not to slip off the rock later. There is no emergency exit.

Now it goes upright on the rock wall right next to the waterfall. You climb on wire hangers (B) comfortably as on a ladder up to a small paragraph. If you need a little break after this first section and want to let the following climbers pass, you can overtake here. But beware, never completely click off the rope! From here you already have a beautiful view over the quickly climbed altitude over St. Anton. Continue over the short ridge, slightly to the right into a steep wall (C and B / C). Tricky here I felt the large, vertical distance to the wire rope. Although I'm not small, I had to pull myself up with outstretched arms.

Spectacular rope bridges

Now it is easier to continue until the beginning of the first rope bridge (B). The upper part of the waterfall can now be experienced on two, 30m long rope bridges. Anyone who does not trust this shaky affair can bypass both bridges. After the first rope bridge you climb a short wall (C / D) up to the second rope bridge (B). From here you can shoot a good picture of the following climber. On the rope bridge you can watch the rushing water between his feet. Then follow a short wall (C / D) to the ridge. After a steep step (B), continue on easy terrain (A / B). Now cross the last steep, slightly overhanging rock passage (C). Then follow a slight tail (A) to the exit. Once in the forest, a snack with a wonderful view offers.

Possible summit following

If you do not feel well after the refreshment, you can climb from here to one of the peaks behind: Davenna 1881m or Zwölferkopf 1843m. We decided to climb the Davenna afterwards. After the via ferrata you follow the cairn. At the end of the narrow forest path, follow the signs to the summit. Altogether there are another 1000m of altitude, which at the top of a fantastic view of Bludenz and behind to the säntis to be rewarded.

A helpful topo was created on the same day fresh by colleagues from bergsteigen.com.