walkhighlands

Via Ferrata Eggishorn, Switzerland.

Date walked: 15/09/2010

Time taken: 2 hours

Ascent: 365m

After walking our West Highland Way and Munro's in June of 2010, we went on vacation again in September 2010. The trip took us to the canton of Valais in Switzerland. We settled down at the campsite in Visp. In addition to several hiking tours in the Saas Valley, the valley of Türtmann and Baltschieder, also near Simplon, we have completed the Via Ferrata Eggishorn.
We started this tour from the small village Fiesch per cable car, where we reached the cable car station 'Eggishorn’ at 2893 m above sea level. From here, we had already a nice view at the Aletch glacier.
P1050996 bew.jpg
already a nice view of the Aletch glacier

To the entry level of the Via Ferrata we followed the signposts and in approx. 20 minutes in a westerly direction. We reached the starting point at 2562 m above sea level. Here we put on our helmet, climbing harness and the Via Ferrata-set and we were off.
The level of difficulty is indicated as KS 2-3, thus a not-too-difficult Via Ferrata.
While completing a Via Ferrata (= VF), it is not the intention that you hold the steel cable constantly, but you have to put as much as possible your hands and feet on the rock to move on. Just like scrambling. The cable is simply as a safeguard to which you are connected.

The first part of the VF Eggishorn is very easy,
P1060001 bew.jpg
the first easy part

but soon we see the challenging bridge made out of aluminium ladder parts.
One by one, we wobble to the other side, not realizing that there is only up to 200 m air under the ladder…. a lot of air and than hard rock. Not suitable for those with a fear of heights.
P1050998 bew.jpg
a lot of air under my shoes


A moment later, after some scrambling, the next challenge appears: the Nepalese bridge. Three steel cables in triangular form, where you have to walk over the bottom cable. In spite of the fact that this bridge looks stable, it is too wobbly for us. Fortunately, we can reach the other side of the bridge via the fixed cable, attached to the rocks.
What follows are some vertical climbs, using u-shaped steel pens connected to the rock.
P1060004 bew.jpg
vertical ladder


The most beautiful part is coming on. Two vertical rock towers need to be climbed.
P1060006 bew.jpg
nice climbing at the tower


The real rock climber will love this part.
Through fun climbing, you will reach the highest points of the first tower. Than a vertical descent and up to the second tower again. A short wobbly ladder bridge follows.
P1060008 bew.jpg
a last wooden ladder bridge

And then there is the end of the cable and so the end of the Via Ferrata, which we reached in 2 hours time.
To go to the summit of the Eggishorn, we walked through rock blocks up to the cable car station. And from there, we walked to the top through more rock blocks,
P1060013 bew.jpg
up to summit Eggishorn


And then there is the summit of the Eggishorn, 2926 m above sea level after 20 minutes. On top there is an Iron cross.
P1060011 bew.jpg
summit Eggishorn
.
From there we had a wonderful view at the Aletch glacier, surrounded by snow covered mountain peaks.
IMG_6543 bew 1024.jpg
a wonderful view at the Aletch glacier
.

We see the Eiger, the Mönch and the Aletchhorn, all wonderful to see. After a brief period of time enjoying the view, we run into the cable car station and go on a luxury way, per cable downwards, back to Fiesch.
A really nice day out, not too difficult for people who have some skills in Via Ferrata and rock climbing.

Click to mark this as a great report. Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Comments: 6



Ben Nevis, normal route

Attachment(s) Munros: Ben Nevis
Date walked: 14/06/2010
Ascent: 1320m
Comments: 5
Views: 7821


Buachaille Etive Beag

Attachment(s) Munros: Stob Coire Raineach (Buachaille Etive Beag), Stob Dubh (Buachaille Etive Beag)
Date walked: 10/06/2010
Comments: 3
Views: 4004


Ben Dorain & Ben an Dothaidh

Attachment(s) Munros: Beinn an Dòthaidh, Beinn Dòrain
Date walked: 08/06/2010
Comments: 4
Views: 8873


Ben Lomond, up via Ptarmigan route.

Attachment(s) Munros: Ben Lomond
Date walked: 04/06/2010
Comments: 1
Views: 4585

BertvdBeu


User avatar
Activity: Munro compleatist
Pub: Any, serving cool Ale
Gear: Camel Bag
Member: NKBV Netherlands
Camera: Canon 400D
Ideal day out: Good breakfast, walking to the top of a Munro, no rain !

Long Distance routes: West Highland Way   

Contact:



Filter reports


Statistics

2010

Trips: 5
Ascent: 1685m
Munros: 6


Joined: Feb 20, 2010
Last visited: Jan 05, 2020
Total posts: 24 | Search posts