Via ferrata in Pfitsch Valley near Sterzing

The via ferrata „Ölberg“ in Afens in Pfitsch, with about 550 m climbing length, requires surefootedness and a head for heights. After the village Wiesen near the town of Sterzing, directly after the tunnel in the direction of the Pfitsch valley, there is a parking possibility. From here, walk back along the old “Pfitscher” road to the start of the via ferrata. It leads along the rock face in the right part of the Ölberg, where there are different variants with varying degrees of difficulty. These lead to a shoulder with a small rest area and then further down again on a partly secured path. Shortly before the village Afens a stream is crossed with a suspension bridge, the bridge can also be bypassed via a footpath. Afterwards, you have the option of descending either via Afens or directly back to the starting point at the parking lot. 

Difficulty / Equipment
On the difficulty scale from A to E (from easy to extreme), the Ölberg via ferrata is at B / D, in the middle range. Here, a large part of the route can be assigned to the B range. Several variants offer the difficulty level D, while the easier options are at B / C. Thus, the Ölberg via ferrata is ideal for experienced via ferrata enthusiasts. For children who already have climbing experience, a minimum height of 1.30m is recommended.

Climbing length and duration
230 meters in altitude and 550m climbing length.
Ascent approx. 2 ¼ hours
- with descent to the starting point a total of approx. 3 hours
- With descent via Afens about 3 ¾ hours.

Starting point 
From the parking lot after the tunnel next to the old Pfitscher road to the start of the via ferrata about 15 minutes walk. 

Descent 
Either via Afens or directly back to the starting point at the parking lot.