The Absam Via Ferrata is a moderate scrambling route in the Halltal Valley in the Karwendel Mountain Range, just 20 minutes away from Innsbruck. It leads to the rustic Bettelwurf Alpine Hut. With over 1300 meters of elevation gain between the trailhead and the hut, this is one of the longest via ferrata routes in the Austrian Alps. It will take over 1,000 clips, along with your carabiner and lanyard, to complete the route.
Total round-trip distance
11.9 kilometres / 7.4 miles
Elevation gain
1310 meters / 4300 feet
Difficulty
Intermediate (C)
Time required
8-9 hours
Overview of the Absam via ferrata
The Absam via ferrata is a long and scenic via ferrata in the southern Karwendel Nature Park, leading up to the Bettelwurf hut. Rated C in difficulty, the route combines exposed traverses, airy rock passages, and impressive alpine scenery above the Halltal valley.
Although technically moderate, the ferrata is physically demanding due to its length and nearly 1,300 meters of scrambling, making good fitness and surefootedness essential. The rewarding finish at the mountain hut offers stunning panoramic views over the Karwendel mountains.
The map & elevation profile
Important info about the Absam via ferrata
Thanks to its South exposition, the Absam via ferrata tends to be snow-free even in May. Before you head out onto this route, make sure the forecast is good for the whole day. You don’t want to be caught in a thunderstorm, attached to a metal cable, halfway through the route with no prospect of a shelter. That’s exactly what happened to my friend and me, and it’s not something I recommend. Luckily, we both came out ok.
When to go: June to October
Via ferrata exposition: south
Trail numbers: 222
Map required: Kompass Karwendelgebirge or Innsbruck & surrounding area
Highest point: Bettelwurf Hut 2077 meters / 6814 feet
Parking: Halltal entry
Trailhead: Same as above
Nearest towns: Absam, Hall in Tirol
Getting there
The trailhead for the Absam via ferrata lies 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Hall in Tirol and 15 kilometres (ca. 10 miles) from Innsbruck. It is possible to reach it via public transport or by car.
By bus
The nearest bus stop, Eichat Bettelwurfsiedlung, is 450 meters from the trailhead. It takes ca. 10 minutes to reach it from the centre of Hall in Tirol (buses 6 & 7) or 45 minutes from Innsbruck with a change in Hall in Tirol. Check Google Maps or download the local VVT app to check connections.
By car
There is a large parking lot with public restrooms and a children’s playground right near the trailhead. It’s ok to park your car here overnight.
Stages of the Absam via ferrata
Approach from the parking lot to the start of the Absamer via ferrata:
- Distance: 2.6 km (1.6 mi)
- Elevation gain: 300 m (980 ft)
- Time required: 1 hour
There are signs pointing to the Absam via ferrata (Absamer Klettersteig) and the Bettelwurf hut from the parking lot. You can either follow the paved road or a forest path that runs parallel to it to reach the start.
Absamer Via Ferrata:
- Distance: 3.4 km (2.1 mi)
- Elevation gain: 1010 m (3310 ft)
- Time required: 4-4.5 hours
The entire via ferrata is very well equipped with cables and metal steps. The most difficult C-part is right at the start, then a couple more C-Sections in the middle and towards the end of the route. Apart from that, most of the scrambling is of A & B difficulty. The cables finish approximately 45 minutes before reaching the hut. The last part is just a hike.
Descent from Bettelwurf hut back to the car park:
- Distance: 5.9 km (3.7 mi)
- Elevation loss: 1260 m (4130 ft)
- Time required: 3-3.5 hours
I’ve got to be honest, the descent from the Bettelwurf was the most brutal of the entire excursion. It’s a very steep, black trail, with plenty of routes and steep drop-offs to one side. A 100% concentration is required to avoid stumbling and falling. If you are doing the Absam via ferrata and the descent in one day, staying focused all day is not easy.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
The Bettelwurf hut is a high-alpine mountain hut with a typical Tyrolean decor. It serves as a key base for hikers and climbers exploring the Karwendel Mountains, particularly ascents of the Großer and Kleiner Bettelwurf peaks. It is managed by the Austrian Alpine Club, and discounts on accommodation apply to the Club members.
The hut lies on the Karwendel High Trail – a multiday hut-to-hut traverse across the Karwendel Nature Park. It books out far in advance, particularly on weekends, so make sure to reserve early. Bookings for the hut can be made via the Alpine hut reservation system. My friend and I stayed here overnight and had a lovely time playing games, puzzling, and chatting with both the staff and the other hikers we had just met.
TIP: Stay in the hut overnight and tackle the Bettelwurf Traverse the next day. It’s an advanced via ferrata route rated D-level. My friend and I attempted it in the third week of June, but due to crusty snow and sketchy conditions, we had to turn around. I already have a new reservation for the upcoming summer to give it another go.
Where to stay nearby
Hall in Tirol is known as one of Austria’s best-preserved medieval old towns, where cobbled streets, pastel façades, and historic landmarks transport you back in time. Just minutes from Innsbruck, it’s the perfect base for combining history, local culture, and easy access to Alpine adventures, including the Absam via ferrata.
Best Value
Set on the banks of the River Inn just minutes from Hall’s charming old town and close to Innsbruck, this welcoming boutique B&B combines a scenic Alpine location with easy access to culture and outdoor activities. You will love its cosy, individually designed rooms filled with art, warm family-run hospitality, and a breakfast featuring homemade and locally sourced organic products
Top Rated
Housed in a lovingly restored historic trading house in the heart of Hall in Tirol’s old town, the Kontor boutique hotel blends centuries-old architectural charm with stylish, individually designed rooms and modern 4-star comforts. You will be drawn to its intimate, design-led atmosphere, standout breakfast served in a baroque hall, and its authentic, family-run hospitality.
Other activities around Innsbruck
Hikes
- Karwendel High Trail (5-6 days)
- Axamer Kogele
- Pforzheimer Hut
- Zirbenweg
Via ferrata
- Innsbrucker Klettersteig
- Bettelwurf Traverse
- Seefelder Panorama
- Glungezer Klettersteig
- Panorama Klettersteig (Kühtai)
- Geierwand
