Daubenhorn
http://www.patrickwarren.me.uk/klettersteig.html
(***) (Leukerbad) - climbs the imposing cliffs that loom over Leukerbad, and advertised as the longest via ferrata in the alps but the problem is that it is too long to be truly enjoyable! Some points to note are (1) the full route is a long excursion (1000m ascent) that ends on the top of a mountain so treat with respect and wait for a favourable weather forecast, (2) pay attention to the descent route from the summit (take a map and compass at least!) (3) I can testify the midpoint escape is pretty unpleasant in bad weather. Can be done as a day trip from Kandersteg: take the early morning (06:42) train to Brig, then a connection on the main line back to Leuk, then a bus up to Leukerbad (the bus starts from Leuk rail station). From here you can either hike up to the start of the via ferrata or take the Gemmi cable car and hike down to the start. From the Daubenhorn summit, make the normal descent as far as the Gemmi pass then head north towards Sunnbüel and back to Kandersteg (2-3 hours from Gemmi). An option would be to begin in Kandersteg & to ascend Allmenalp via ferrata; then hike up to Gemmipass for the night climb the Daubenhorn via ferrata the next day. The difficulty of the climbing trail is classified as: ED (extrem difficult) or K5 - K6 (K1= easy, K5=difficult).
Small version (1): Start: Gemmipath - a place called “untere Schmitte” Duration: 5 h Data: 1300m steel cable 4 steel ladder with 100m length Difference in altitude: 350m ascent Big version(2): Start: see small version (the same) Duration: 8 h Data: 1.part: see small version 2.part: 800m steel cable 100m steel ladder difference in altitude: 1000m Demand: You need to be a good hiker, free from dizziness and to be in good shape (big version) |
1 = Untere Schmitte (Start); 2 = Nase; 3 = Tschappiturm; 4 = Obere Gemsfreiheit;
5 = Abzweigung; 6 = Mieläs (small version (1)); 7 = Höhle; 8 = Hammer; 9 = Biwakplatz/Via Konst https://sites.google.com/site/viaferratae/
Switzerland’s longest via ferrata is situated in Leukerbad. 216 metres of ladders and over 2,000 metres of steel cable have been installed in the rock face of the mighty Dauberhorn which towers steeply above Leukerbad. The highly impressive via ferrata offers the visitor the opportunity to enjoy the unique panorama of the Valais Alps. Unique, too, is the approx. 100 metres long natural cave traversed on the way. |