The first via ferrata routes were originally created in the Italian Dolomites during World War I to help the movement of troops through the mountains. After the war, these routes became popular among climbers and adventurers.
Today, via ferrata routes can be found in mountainous regions around the world, including the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Rocky Mountains, and many other places. They vary in difficulty, from relatively easy routes suitable for beginners to challenging ones that require advanced climbing skills.
My first experience with via ferrata was when I moved to Salzburg in 2015, and since then, I have been exploring these routes all around the Alps. It is a very nice and unique way to explore the mountains from a different perspective. You also have the advantage that you can go by yourself because you don’t need a second person like in rock climbing to spot you since you have to secure yourself every two meters.
During the winter, these routes are closed due to snowy and icy conditions.
On the 15th of February, the weather was very warm and sunny, which just called me for the first climb of the year. I drove to the Attersee Mahdlgupf Klettersteig, where I have never been before. Here is a short video about the climbing. Enjoy!
