Via ferrata
NATURNS
Hoachwool via ferrata (D)
Südtirolalpin
State-certified mountain and ski guides IFMGA
South Tyrolean Mountain and Ski Guides Association
Email suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Tour duration:
1 day
Naturns – Hoachwool Klettersteig
High above the rooftops of Naturns, the Hoachwool via ferrata climbs straight up the sunny south faces.
1 day · Difficulty D · 4.5 h · Vinschgau
Naturns - Hoachwool via ferrata (D): An impressive via ferrata that, despite being close to the valley floor with practically no approach, is one of the most demanding and longest via ferrata tours in South Tyrol. It is not an undertaking to be taken lightly – as the many mountain rescue call-outs show, regularly retrieving exhausted and dehydrated climbers from the route.
The route takes its name from the historic "Waal" irrigation systems of the Vinschgau. These are old wooden irrigation channels that carried water – so precious in the very dry Vinschgau – right through the steep rock faces to the various farmland areas. Parts of this historic irrigation system have been reconstructed in the middle section of the via ferrata. The historic Schnalswaal, from which the name Hoachwool derives, was built between 1830 and 1833 for irrigation and decommissioned in 1910.
And since you are already in the area, as a keen mountaineer you can pay a visit to the Messner Mountain Museum at Juval Castle. The first of Reinhold Messner's museums is located directly opposite the Hoachwool via ferrata.
The via ferrata is not recommended in the hot summer months. The sun beats straight down on the vertical south faces and heats them up unbearably. On top of that, this already very punchy D-grade via ferrata offers an extremely difficult E/F variant (optional) – for anyone who fancies the challenge.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
'- Complete organisation and guiding by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs for participants:
'- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Unterstell cable car (descent only)
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per item)
Facts
Location:
Ötztal Alps - Vinschgau
Best time of year:
March - May
September - November
Duration:
1 day
Meeting point:
Naturns - car park at the Unterstell cable car valley station
Requirements
Requirements:
'- Fitness for a long and demanding via ferrata, with 3-4 hours spent on the steel cables
- Total walking time 5-6 hours
- Sure-footedness
- A head for heights
PRICE
Participants:
max. 4 people
Price:
Tailor-made on request
Every tour is priced individually.
The price depends, among other things, on the length and difficulty of the tour, group size, date, travel effort and scope of services.
You can find more information about our rates in our terms and conditions.
If you have any questions or need further information, just add them in the comment field of the enquiry form.
Before you send your request: please read the "important information" on the risks of mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
on request
PROGRAMME
Day tour: Hoachwool via ferrata
It is best to park at the valley station of the Unterstell cable car in Naturns and walk to the entrance of the Schnalstal. The start of the via ferrata is below Juval Castle. At the beginning there is a short warm-up on the via ferrata, followed directly by the last escape option via the old Schnals road. After that things get serious – off we go on the "Hoachwool" adventure.
The via ferrata is impressive and offers several variants. In the middle section the route follows the course of the historic Schnalswaal, an irrigation channel built between 1830 and 1833. After about 3.5 hours on the via ferrata we reach the exit and, after a walk of around 25 minutes, the top station of the Unterstell cable car, from where we leisurely float back down to our car.
Total time: 4.5 h | ↑ 750 m | ↓ 50 m | Difficulty: D
Any changes to the programme that may become necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, availability of accommodation, etc.) are always made in consultation with the participants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Who is the Hoachwool via ferrata suitable for?
The Hoachwool via ferrata is suitable for experienced via ferrata climbers with good fitness. The route is long, demanding throughout and graded difficulty D. If you have little experience or do not cope well with heat, this is probably not the right place for you.
When is the best time of year for the tour?
The tour is most pleasant in spring or autumn. The route is not recommended in the hot summer months, because the sun beats straight down on the south face and it quickly gets very hot.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Above all, you need a via ferrata set and a helmet. The exact packing list comes with the confirmation email. If you are missing anything, you can rent the equipment from Südtirolalpin for a small wear-and-tear fee.
MOUNTAIN GUIDES FROM SOUTH TYROL
# VIA FERRATA # SOUTH TYROL # HOACHWOOL # NATURNS # MOUNTAIN GUIDE