The Geierwand via ferrata is one of the best-known routes in Tirol. Despite the imposing wall it climbs, its technical difficulty is surprisingly moderate, hovering mostly around B, with a few harder C-Sections. It is all thanks to the countless built-in iron footholds. The Geierwand klettersteig is an excellent “step-up” route after easier A/B ferratas.
Total round-trip distance
3.1 kilometres / 1.9 miles
Elevation gain
400 meters / 1312 feet
Difficulty
Intermediate (B/C)
Time required
3 hours
Overview of the Geierwand Klettersteig
Located above the Inn Valley near Haiming in Tyrol, the route ascends the south-facing Geierwand cliffs on the lower slopes of Mount Simmering. This is my home mountain; I live just on the other side of it, so the Geierwand via ferrata is a route I have already done multiple times.
The Geierwand wall looks intimidating from below, but once you are on the route, natural ledges and well-designed protection make progression surprisingly easy. The via ferrata was built in 2015 and follows around 800 meters of cable and roughly 400 vertical meters of elevation gain. Most sections are graded B to B/C, with only a few short passages reaching C difficulty.
Another great positive to this route is its very short approach. Within 15 minutes after leaving the car park, you will already be making progress up the wall.
The map & elevation profile of the Geierwand via ferrata
Important info about the Geierwand via ferrata
Thanks to its south-facing exposure and low altitude, the window for tackling the Geierwand via ferrata lasts for 6 months a year, which is uncommon in the Alps.
TIP: If you plan on tackling this route in the height of summer, make sure to start very early and apply plenty of sunscreen. The wall can turn into a frying pan on a hot day!
When to go: April to November
Via ferrata exposition: South
Trail numbers:
Map required: Kompass Imst, Telfs, Kühtai, Mieminger Kette
Highest point: 1061 meters / 3481 feet
Parking: Wanderparkplatz Haiming
Trailhead: Geierwand Klettersteig
Nearest towns: Haiming
Getting there
The most convenient way to reach the Geierwand Klettersteig is by car, but it’s also possible to use public transport, particularly if you are coming by bus from Oetz or by train from Innsbruck.
By bus or train
The nearest bus stop is Haiming Gemeindeamt. It is a 15-minute walk from the trailhead. There is a direct bus from Oetz to Haiming. Haiming also has a train station, which is a 25-minute walk from the trailhead.
By car
There is ample parking near the trailhead. Due to the popularity of this via ferrata, the parking can fill up quickly, especially on the weekends.
Stages of the Geierwand Klettersteig
Approach (15 minutes)
From the car park, follow the paved road away from the buildings. After a couple of hundred meters, you will reach a sign pointing to the Geierwand Klettersteig. Cross the bridge above the highway and veer onto a forest path that leads to the start of cables.
Via Ferrata (2 hours):
Despite the vertical character of this via ferrata, fear not, as plenty of iron footholds have been installed to make the scrambling as easy and safe as possible. There are also plenty of ledges and terraces where you can take a break if your arms get tired, including a proper wooden bench around halfway up. Another highlight is a short rope swing bridge 3/4 of the way up. Overall, I find the scrambling experience on the Geierwand via ferrata excellent.
Descent (45-60 minutes):
The descent follows a marked, steep trail back toward the Inn valley. Parts of this trail can be unpleasant and loose. Some sections have been equipped with additional steel cable protection. Keep the via ferrata gloves on for the descent. Caution is required, especially in wet conditions. With that said, I wouldn’t recommend doing a via ferrata after it just rained.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
There are no huts directly en route, but since it only takes 3 hours to complete the Geierwand via ferrata, there is no need to bring much. There is a local restaurant right near the parking lot, but its menu is rather boring, and the dining experience wasn’t the best. If you are searching for a quick meal, it does the job.
If you came by car, I recommend checking out the Crazy Eddy cafè, only 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) from the trailhead. It is the perfect relaxing spot with beach vibes, right on the River Inn.
Where to stay nearby
Via Ferrata Geierwand is located in the town of Haiming in the Inn Valley. Haiming is a ca. 35-minute drive from Innsbruck, 15 minutes from Mieminger Plateau and 15 minutes from Oetz in the Ötztal Valley. All 3 locations are fantastic hubs for outdoor sports, with plenty of hiking, via ferrata, and biking routes. My recommendation is to stay in either Mieming or Oetz. Below are a couple of my recommendations for great places to stay.
Best Value
Lebe`oetz (Oetz)
These apartments in Oetz combine modern architecture with traditional Tyrolean charm, offering a cosy yet luxurious atmosphere surrounded by the Ötztal mountains. Each unit features thoughtful design and high-quality amenities, including private spa elements like saunas, bathtubs, or infrared cabins to create a relaxing, home-like experience.
Top Rated
Bio Hotel Schweizer (Mieming)
This is a small, family-run retreat on the Mieminger Plateau, offering a peaceful, mindful atmosphere with a limited number of individually designed rooms. It has a strong focus on sustainability and wellbeing, including a cuisine that prioritises regional, seasonal ingredients. Guests have access to the expansive Day Spa at the nearby famous Alpenresort Schwarz.
Other activities nearby
Hikes
- 4-Lakes-Route (Oetz Valley)
- Tschirgant Summit
- Simmering Summit
- Wetterkreuzkogel
- Pirchkogel Summit
Via ferrata
- Lehner Waterfall
- Imster Klettersteig
- Panorama Klettersteig (Kühtai)
- Panorama Klettersteig (Seefeld)
- Reinhard Schiestl
- Stuiben Waterfall
- Wankspitze
- Adler Klettersteig (Mieming)
- Leite Klettersteig
- Innsbrucker Klettersteig
