Climb time: 5 hours Difficulty: B – C
Type: moderately difficult to difficult
On tackling the Mindelheimer Klettersteig, one of the most beautiful and popular iron ways in the Northern Alps, phenomenal views and a truly authentic via ferrata experience are guaranteed. The rugged Main Dolomite with its deep fissures, which presents such a richly multi-faceted natural spectacle, combined with the ingenious layout of the trail make for a very special experience on this via ferrata.
The ascent initially follows the Krumbacher Höhenweg ridgeway, turning right after the Fiderescharte. Just below the ridge, the trail ascends to the start of the via ferrata itself. In this rugged, rocky terrain, it takes a steep ascent via the broad summit structure over the north-western flank of the northern Schafalpenkopf. Once you reach the upper section, it begins to climb the north-west face of the northern Schafalpenkopf above the Fiderepasshütte (extra caution is required here as the summit ascent does not have safety features!).
Over the ridge, you continue on in the direction of the Mittlerer Schafalpenkopf via passages secured with safety cables. These bring you to a footbridge, spectacular views of which can be seen from the terrace of the Fiderepasshütte. Crossing this bridge is likely to prove less dramatic than you might think! The via ferrata then brings you via a vertical rockface to the Mittlerer Schafalpenkopf. When crossing the middle summit, you will encounter some exposed ridge sections. When you reach the Südlicher Schafalpenkopf, your route takes you over a steep grass slope and a ladder that descends all the way down to the end of the via ferrata. At the bottom of the ladder, the route proceeds through sundrenched pastures to the Kemptner Köpfle. Once you pass through the Kemptner Scharte, you don’t have long to go until you reach the Mindelheimer Hütte.
Useful info:
This via ferrata is considered challenging due to its length even though it is only classified as moderately difficult to difficult by international standards. For safety, the via ferrata has many protective wire cables along it (spread over approx. 400 m), as well as numerous grips and pegs and several steel ladders. Although there are many short, steep sections, as well as some longer ones, there are only a small number of points on the via ferrata that are very exposed