The Leite Via Ferrata is a short but challenging route in Nassereith in Austria’s Tyrol region. It’s known for smooth limestone slabs, minimal artificial footholds, and a very short approach — the latter of which is always a huge plus for me. Thanks to its short length, the Leite Klettersteig is ideal as a “step-up” route after easier B/C ferratas.
Total round-trip distance
2.7 kilometres / 1.7 miles
Elevation gain
240 meters / 790 feet
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced (C/D)
Time required
1.5-2 hours
Overview of the Leite via ferrata
Leite via ferrata is located in the Mieminger Mountain Range, in the town of Nassereith, at the end of the Gurgltal Valley. The wall, where the via ferrata was set up, is known as the climber’s paradise. Nassereith is usually a drive-through place for tourists from Germany and other northern countries, heading to better-known areas in Tyrol. Because of that fact, the Leite Klettersteig doesn’t feel overcrowded. I’ve already done this route three times (I live close by), and each time I didn’t meet a single other person.
Even though the route is short, it requires a certain level of experience to tackle safely. There aren’t many iron rods, and the scrambling is often done on a smooth limestone slab. You will definitely need some arm strength and trust your feet on this one.
The map & elevation profile
Important info about the Leite Klettersteig
The Leite Klettersteig faces Southeast, which means the sun hits it quite early in the day. Paired with low altitude, the access to this route starts as early as April and ends in November (weather permitting). This gives you a whopping 7-month window to tackle this via ferrata. On hot days, make sure to start early, or else you will experience the frying-pan effect on the wall. Speaking from experience, sweaty hands will quickly cause blisters and make the cables slippery.
When to go: April to November
Via ferrata exposition: Southeast
Map required: Kompass Imst, Telfs, Kühtai, Mieminger Kette
Highest point: 1064 meters / 3491 feet
Parking: Climber’s Paradise Nassereith
Trailhead: Same as above
Nearest towns: Nassereith, Imst, Mieming
Getting there
Leite via ferrata can be reached by public transport or by car. It takes approximately 20 minutes by car from Imst or Mieming to the parking lot, and 30 minutes by bus (including a 10-minute walk from the bus stop to the trailhead). If you are coming from Innsbruck, it will take ca. 1 hour.
By bus
The nearest bus stop, Nassereith Postplatz, is a 6-minute walk from the trailhead. Bus no. 355 or 160X coming from Innsbruck through Mieming stops here. If you are coming from Imst, you will have to take bus no. 340. Download the VVT (Verkehrsverbund Tirol) app to check connections and purchase tickets.
By car
There is a big parking area near the trailhead. This is a popular climbing area, so spaces can fill up quickly in the summer and on the weekends. There are ticket machines near the toilets. Card payments are accepted.
Stages of the Leite Klettersteig
Approach (15 minutes):
The approach to the route is quite straightforward and starts directly at the car park. Simply follow the signs for the Leite Klettersteig. Once you reach the forest, pay close attention to the painted route markings, as many desired paths have been created and can throw you off track.
Via Ferrata (1 hour):
The Leite Klettersteig immediately begins with stepped slabs and ramps that lead into more technical terrain. Quite early into the route, you will hit the “Gelbe Platte” (yellow slab) section. It is a steep, smooth crux that can pose both physical and psychological challenges. It is worth noting that there is an early escape route after the first terrace if things feel too hard. Two great highlights are a small resting area with a bench and the route book (“Steigbuch”), where you can sign your name. Another one, just before the end, is a circa 15-meter-long suspension bridge.
Descent (30-45 minutes):
The descent follows a narrow gully, filled with hazelnut trees. Some sections consist of loose scree, making it easy to slip. I would recommend extra caution while descending. The second part of the descent follows a forest path, where it rejoins the initial approach path.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
There are no alpine huts on the Leite via ferrata, but since it is a short route that takes up to 2 hours, I think a small snack is sufficient for refuelling. Once you descend, you can have lunch at one of the restaurants in Nassereith or head to the local bakery, Gurgltalbrot, located in the Adeg Larcher supermarket.
Where to stay nearby
The Leite via ferrata is located in Nassereith, a small Tyrolean village built at the end of the Gurgltal valley. Personally, I am not a huge fan of Nassereith and much prefer either the nearby historic town of Imst or the sun-drenched Mieminger Sonnenplateau, where I live. I recommend either one for a base. Both offer great access to hiking, biking and via ferrata routes. Below are a couple of my hotel recommendations in the area.
Best Value
Pension Weirather (Imst)
Pension Weirather offers comfortable, apartment-style rooms with balconies, kitchenettes, and a relaxed, home-like atmosphere.
With a central yet peaceful setting, free parking, and a hearty breakfast buffet to start the day, it’s a great choice for travellers looking for simple comfort and great value.
Top Rated
Holzleiten Hotel (Mieminger Plateau)
This is a peaceful, sustainably run organic wellness hotel combining modern design with natural materials and a calm, nature-focused atmosphere. I love their spacious wellness area with a heated outdoor pool, saunas and relaxation rooms. The hotel is right near a bus stop.
Other activities nearby
Hikes
- Tschirgant Summit
- Simmering Summit
- Wankspitze
- Handschuhspitze
- Hanauer Hut
- Lechtal High Trail (8 days)
Via ferrata
- Tajakante
- Wankspitze
- Hanauer Klettersteig
- Adler Klettersteig
- Seeben Klettersteig
- Imster Klettersteig
- Geierwand
