- Difficulty level
- C/D
- Brief description
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Route C of the via ferrata (fixed-cable climb) high above the roofs of Zermatt is often tackled straight after routes A and B. This requires a high level of fitness, but it is also the great attraction of the climb.
- Difficulty
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mediumDifficulty level C/D
- Rating
-
- Starting point
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Zermatt (1,620 m)
- Route
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Zermatt (1,608 m)0.3 kmZermatt (1,605 m)5.6 km
- Best season
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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Description
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Route C of the via ferrata Schweifinen leads up a vertical rock wall via a wobbly and swinging cable ladder: a step up in terms of both interest and difficulty. Next comes an exposed section with nothing under climbers’ feet other than the iron rungs fastened to the rock. Since completing the three routes A, B and C requires time, stamina and a good level of fitness, climbers should plan carefully in advance and take account of weather conditions.
For experienced via ferrata climbers Carved wooden statue of the Virgin Mary by Hugo Lehner from 1948 Water tap, not connected Edelweiss - Directions
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Access: From Zermatt station, follow the Bahnhofstrasse. Just after the office from the Zermatters, turn right onto the path leading to Edelweiss and Trift. Climb out of the village, up towards the Triftschlucht gorge. Before the path reaches the bridge over the Triftbach river, turn right onto the trail leading to the start of the via ferrata (approx. 30 minutes).
Descent: After completing route C, follow the path northwards; this then loops back to Zermatt (approx. 1h 15).
The map shows the access and return paths as well as the via ferrata itself. - Highest point
- 2,150 m
- Endpoint
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Zermatt (1,620 m)
- Exposition
- Height profile
- © outdooractive.com
- Equipment
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We recommend:
Strong, suitable footwear Clothing suitable for the weather Climbing harness, helmet and via ferrata set Food and drinkImportant! A good head for heights, a sure foot and mountain experience are all needed
- Safety instructions
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Plan excursion carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season. Do not attempt to climb via ferrata in stormy weather. Use a full safety-compliant equipment set. Take careful account of participants’ ability. Via ferrata can also be climbed with a mountain guide. Maintain sufficient distance from other climbers. Use abseil site only with a mountain guide.
Important! Follow the route all the way to the end, to the official footpath.
Take note of the weather. On a via ferrata with metal elements, a storm can be deadly.
If you have any questions about the status, please contact the Zermatters directly: +41 (0)27 966 24 66
Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon. - Tips
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A highlight along the way is the wooden bench, where you can take a short break and enjoy gazing over the village.
- Directions
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Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.
Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt. - Public transportation
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By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.
Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos). - Parking
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Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.
Onward travel: see “Getting there”.
- Author
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The tour Via ferrata Schweifinen - Route C is used by outdooractive.com provided.
General info
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Oberwallis
39
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Mattertal
12
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Zermatt
5