Via Ferrata D'allenamento e per Famiglie "Knott"
Description
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.
Access & starting point
From Merano through Val Venosta to Naturno, to the valley station of the Unterstell cable car (western exit of the town); free parking is available at the valley station or nearby. The bus from Merano or Val Venosta stops near the valley station. Ascend with the cable car.
Approach
Approx. 15 minutes; signposted at the upper station. The via ferrata route is explained and described both at the valley and upper stations. The approach to "Sally" (the lower route) and to the higher routes via the "Big Foot Bridge" are clearly signposted.
Route
Route "Sally": steel cable (50 m); B–C–D. Route "Turtle": steel cable (40 m); B. Route "Affele": steel cable (50 m); ladder; A–B–C–D. Route "Rocky": steel cable (60 m); steep metal ladder; A–B–C. "Big Foot Bridge": 20 m long suspension bridge; 33 metal steps; easy. Adherence traverse: 6 m long; A–C. Special Features: Large playground near the upper station of the cable car. Above the via ferrata is the only "skywalk" in Alto Adige: a panoramic platform suspended in the air, 15 m long. Near the upper station, next to the Unterstell farmstead, there is a small restaurant where you can enjoy a pleasant break after the exciting ferrata. Guests are delightfully served — one slice of cake will satisfy an entire family!
Technical Details
Descent
Gallery
