Sep 30, 2019 - 6:00 PM
WHAT A THRILL!
I was intrigued by the Via Ferrara Murren and decided to go for it on Sept. 15 during our stay in Murren.
Via Ferrata means iron path, a protected climbing route with established metal rungs and a cable wire. It’s also known as Klettersteig.
This was the most adrenaline-filled 3 hours I’ve ever had: up, down, hovering, climbing, dangling with a harness and carabiners for the first time.
The route down to Gimmelwald includes a zip line, tightrope, suspension bridge, ladders and numerous metal rungs often hanging out of the rock wall into space.
You are attached to a metal cable nearly the entire way. The biggest challenge for me (a very active 59-year-old) were the occasional high steps or drops where my short legs struggled to find purchase.
Tours with equipment (harness, carabiners, helmet, gloves if needed) costs $135 and are offered twice a day with 8 people max. You can sign up at the Murren sports shops or Alpine center. The guide does not take pictures but I stopped often to do so, getting scolded once when we first started out! You can do this yourself, if able, but there are portions you cannot do unguided, like the zipline.
Now, a few weeks later, reviewing the pictures/videos brings a huge smile to my face, and makes my heart race, just a little--BOY, that Nepal suspension bridge was high up! Over a 1310 feet ravine! Gulp.
If you’re fit and like fun adventures, add this to your list!
Last modified on Sep 30, 2019 - 6:10 PM by Steph
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