Graustock Via Ferrata – 2,661 m above sea level.
Contents
The rocky ridge
The via ferrata up the Graustock leads from the Jochpass over the southeast ridge up to the summit at 2,661 metres above sea level. The tour combines several via ferrata sections with walking terrain and a true summit experience.
Four steeper climbs provide variety along the way. Whilst the initial sections are more moderate, the third climb at K5 is the crux of the tour. The descent is also rewarding, making the Graustock a varied circular route.
Tour information
Difficulty: K3–K5
Time: approx. 3 hours
Season: June – October
Elevation difference: approx. 460 hm
Start Jochpass, 2222 m above sea level.
Summit Graustock, 2,661 m above sea level.
Exposition: South-east
Character: Via ferrata and mountain tour via the south-east ridge
Key passage: Third upswing
Route description
From the Jochpass, the route initially leads towards Schafberg. The first section via the Schafberg is easy, rated K2.
Afterwards follows the actual Graustock via ferrata. Over a total of four steeper steps, the route leads across the rocky ridge towards the summit. In between, secured climbing sections and easier passages alternate.
The third steep step is the most difficult section and, together with K5, forms the crux of the tour.
Graustock summit
After the via ferrata sections, the route continues to the summit of the Graustock at 2,661 m above sea level. This makes the Graustock not just a via ferrata, but a proper summit tour.
Descent
From the summit, the descent leads back towards the Jochpass via the route marked on the map. Around 90 minutes are allowed for this section.
Via ferrata, summit and descent together make a varied circular route.
Requirements
✓ Via ferrata experience
✓ Sure-footedness
✓ Freedom from vertigo
✓ Safe use of the via ferrata set
✓ Sufficient power for the more difficult ascents
✓ Note K5 key point
Good to know
✓ Start directly at the Jochpass
✓ Around 460 metres of elevation gain
✓ Four steeper climbing sections
✓ Easier section at the Schafberg with K2
✓ Graustock Via Ferrata up to K5
✓ Summit destination at 2,661 m above sea level.
✓ Varied combination of mountain tour and via ferrata
✓ Third upswing is the key passage
Similar via ferratas
- Fürenalpwand – long and demanding via ferrata in Engelberg.
- Rigid pile wall – a more demanding via ferrata tour to a real mountain peak.
- Rigidalstockgrat – a slightly simpler alternative with a summit destination.
- Zittergrat – short, steep via ferrata on the Brunni.
Questions
Can I finish the tour already on the Schafberg?
Yes. The Schafberg at 2,522 m is the first proper peak of the tour and a very good shorter option. Up to that point, the via ferrata sections are significantly easier. The actual crux of the Graustock via ferrata only follows after the Schafberg. Anyone who realises that's enough for today can turn back here and descend towards Schaftal.
How much easier is the option only as far as the Schafberg?
Significantly easier. The first two ascents are described by the SAC as easy. Only after the Schafberg does the approximately 70–80 m high, very exposed central pillar follow – the K4–K5 crux of the tour. Engelberg-Titlis explicitly recommends the Schafberg as a shortened and simplified variant.
Is the Graustock via ferrata suitable for beginners?
The complete tour up the Graustock is probably best avoided. The SAC rates the via ferrata as K4–K5, and Engelberg-Titlis explicitly states that it is not suitable for beginners. However, those with little experience could consider the significantly easier first section up to the Schafberg.
Where is the most difficult part located?
The crux comes after the Schafberg: a roughly 70 to 80-metre-high, steep and extremely exposed pillar. Iron staples, footholds and the continuous steel cable help with the ascent, but it still requires strength, a head for heights and a good grip on exposure.
What do I need to keep in mind when descending from the Graustock?
From the summit, parts of the via ferrata must first be descended again. After that, the route leads through the Schaftal back to the Jochpass. The SAC rates the descent as T3+ and points out a lot of scree as well as a short unsecured rock step. In poor visibility, route-finding can become challenging
