Via Ferrata Hans Kammerlander

A tricky, demanding, superbly constructed route with absolutely breathtaking views. The via ferrata was named after the mountaineer from Ahornach. The route begins close to the Kleingruberhof in Ahornach, covers 600 metres in length and 300 vertical metres, and requires nerves of steel and a lot of strength – above all in the arms.  After a relatively moderate start, the rock face becomes extremely steep. According to Hans Kammerlander, there is nothing like it in the entire Dolomite region; the difficulty reaches level E, but is mostly D and C. The path ends after around three hours of climbing near the Kofler zwischen den Wänden and is only suitable for experienced climbers. A good head for heights is one hundred percent essential.

Route description:
A short ladder up to an overhang (E), then a B/C and C-grade traverse to the Burma bridge (A/B). After the bridge continue (B) to a small niche and then steeply (D) to a flake and right into the narrow intersection (D/E). The intersection widens (D) and leads to the 15-m ladder (inside B/C; outside C). After the ladder, a left turn (D and briefly E) over the roof and climbing to the right (D and C) in easier terrain (B/B). Then the route moves on to an edge and the long, ascending traverse begins (always B, B/C and also briefly C) up to the next overhang. Just before this the face becomes steeper (C/D) and you will reach the tree trunk on which you cross to the roof edge. Next briefly D and then easier to the rope bridge. Cross this bridge and then traverse horizontally (B). The rope becomes steeper (C and C/D) and leads up under the next bridge, which is reached by looping round to the left (B). After the second bridge a slab pillar (up to C) leads up to the exit at a wooden fence.

Source: www.bergsteigen.com ; Author: Andreas Jentzsch

Total time required approx. 4 hours.