Via Ferrata Sulzfluh Sankt Antonien, Graubünden

Features

Right in the heart of the south face of the Sulfluh. This via ferrata gives you plenty of opportunities to be in contact with the rock. Very vertiginous!

Excellent views and a magnificent panorama. Rock fall possible (always wear a helmet as well as gloves)

ViaFerrata Tips and Tricks

You are in a high mountain setting. Take the necessary precautions as well as all your equipment (rain/wind jacket, warm clothes, excellent shoes).

If you are a beginner, walk away!

Grade

Information

Tourism office of  St Antonien

Length and Altitude

Parking lot altitude: 1'770 m
Altitude at the start of the Via Ferrata: 2'360 m
End of the via ferrata: 2'817 m
Altitude gain: 450 m
Length: 750 m

Time of Year

Mid-June to mid-October (snow).

Timing

Approach
from Partnunstafel St-Antonien: 1 hour 30
from Carschinahütte: 1 hour
from Tilisunahütte: 2 hours 30

Way back: 2 hours

By Car

The last Swiss village before the border with Austria in the Ratikon massif. It is also the terminus of the postal bus.

From Chur towards Bad Ragaz. In Landquart, go towards Kublis. In Kublis go up towards Sankt Antonien.

By Train

Contact the SBB. The postal bus goes directly to Sankt Antonien.

Access

From Partnun (1,770 m): Walk to the left of and follow the track suitable for motorized vehicles until you reach the bridge. Follow the path going north-west until you reach the Prattigau panoramic trail.
Climb the steep scree until you reach the the point of attack at the base of the south-east face (2,360m).

If you come by bus, the part of the approach on the road is fairly long. Above the houses near Partnun, a bridge crosses a stream bearing the same name. A blue sign points  you to the rock-climbing area. From here a trail that gets progressively steeper and rockier leads you to the start of the route.

Via Ferrata

The via ferrata starts off with a short ladder. A dihedral wall then leads you to the Obelix traverse. All of this is followed up with a vertical section and there is no way to back after this and no escape route.

You will discover the Ramp and the Geissrucken which will lead you to a grassy strip (it's important that you wear good hiking shoes - and especially not tennis shoes).

This is where the void will mess with your head. The Panoramica and the Wall of Lamentations are extremely vertiginous and are obstacles that you must overcome. While we're on the topic of overcoming obstacles, you might as well know that next you'll have to get past two rope bridges and a ladder.

After exiting the via ferrata you'll get to the cross (2,817 m) in just 5 minutes.

Way Back

From the summit, find the trail on the north side (be careful, snow sometimes stays until July). Then go down towards the East towards the white and red markings that line the Gemschtobel (the corridor of fallen rocks). The last part made up of terraces and is equipped with chains.

Taking a detour to see the Tilisunahute (about 1 hour) is not only easier on your knees, but allows you to make the most of a beautiful setting.

Where to Spend the Night

Ask the Tourism Office.