Very steep via ferrata, partly overhanging, secured only with a steel cable; no rungs in the smooth or protruding passages. The crossing of the "geelen Knott" is extremely demanding (an additional iron ladder would not lessen the difficulty). Some well-marked but very steep sections and slippery passages increase the risk of rockfall. Turning back without a rope is dangerous on these cables! The exit is at over 3000 m and is not comparable to any via ferrata in the Garda Lake area. Best period: early July to mid/end September (even longer if conditions are good). The ascent is long and physically demanding (approx. 1 hour on foot from the Orso chairlift).
One of the most difficult via ferratas in this guidebook, together with the Tabaretta on Ortles. The route, created in 2014, is perfectly equipped and has less complex sections, but overall can be considered consistently difficult. The lower part is extremely exposed, making a return on this relatively problematic route not easy.
The story of the "Knott" (cliff) of Unterstell is quite eventful. When the dam in Val Senales was built, a forced pipeline carried water to the Naturno power station, and the electric company built a small cable car to perform maintenance. For a long time, the "Knott" was the pillar of this installation. After its demolition and the cable car's closure, a local farmer constructed a panoramic viewing platform at the old cable car station. Today, right next to this viewpoint, there is a via ferrata suitable for training and families — almost unique in Alto Adige! Until now, beginners had no opportunity to try routes that were long and difficult, while families with children lacked appropriate alternatives for a safe and easy "test run". This via ferrata, divided into several routes, meets these needs perfectly. The "Knott" includes four routes, two ladders, a rope bridge on a short (easy) section linking three of the routes, to bypass a more difficult crossing.
The "Larix" via ferrata (Latin for larch), located at the foot of the Rio Senales waterfall, winds over several rope bridges, a sky ladder, a rope slide, and sections of climbing that are partially challenging. In the first section, the via ferrata leads over and along a small stream, providing lots of adrenaline, interrupted by short walking sections. In the upper part, from the Rotkofelsee lake, the ferrata has short, rather flat walking sections. A successful combination of hiking in the mountains and a fun via ferrata, it is especially popular with beginners and families with young climbers.
The start of the via ferrata is located at the foot of the first waterfall above Rifugio Nasereit, at the entrance to Val di Tel. The exit, near Rifugio Cima Fiammante, is situated on the so-called "Gingglegg" — a relatively prominent ridge at 1890 m. The ferrata starts (difficulty range B to C) by crossing the Tel waterfall with two suspension bridges and two double rope passages over short ferrata segments. The last bridge can be bypassed, making the first part (known as the bridge section) a standalone attraction. Climbers who do not wish to tackle this part can reach the ferrata start via a simple alternative path. Both the bridge section and the ferrata are suitable for well-trained families with children passionate about climbing.
The Heini Holzer via ferrata, with its 550 m of elevation gain, is the first ascent in the Merano region to bear this name. Fully secured with 1000 m of steel cable and with a medium difficulty level (A–B–B/C), it is also suitable for less experienced climbers and families with children who enjoy walking and climbing together.
The "Stuller Wasserfall" via ferrata is a moderately difficult climb with a variant that is very difficult in the central section, which can also be bypassed. The steep and exposed climb offers a breathtaking environment in the immediate vicinity of the waterfall. The "Stuller Wasserfall," at 342 m high, is composed of two connected cascades and is the third highest waterfall in Europe. About two-thirds up, it is possible to interrupt the ascent and take a path back to Stulles. The final section of the via ferrata can be undertaken as a shorter route, with access from Stulles via this return path.
The "Ölberg" via ferrata in Avenes, Val di Vizze, has a climbing length of about 550 m, requiring good confidence and no fear of heights. Near Prati, close to Vipiteno, just after the tunnel heading towards Val di Vizze, there is a parking lot. From here, follow the old Val di Vizze road until reaching the start of the via ferrata. The rock wall runs along the right side of the Ölberg, where several variants with varying difficulty levels are found. These lead to a resting area with a small stop-over spot and then down to a safely arranged trail. Shortly before Avenes, a suspension bridge crosses a stream; alternatively, you can continue on a path. From there, you can either descend to Avenes or return directly to the starting point.