Via ferrata · Muotathal · Central Switzerland
Husky Lodge via ferrata. Short, steep and surprisingly airy.
Right behind the Husky Lodge in the Muota Valley, a short but strenuous via ferrata leads up the roughly 100-metre-high rock face. Over 400 metres of steel cable, more than 200 footholds and rungs, as well as a five-metre-high ladder, provide plenty of variety.
The approach is short, but the via ferrata is surprisingly challenging. Whilst the easier rock path is graded K1 to K2, the full route reaches difficulties of K3 to K4. The crux is a vertical rock face approximately 20 metres high.
- Rock face
- approx. 100 m
- Difficulty
- K3–K4
- Climbing time
- approx. 45–60 minutes
- Season
- c. April – November
- difference in altitude
- approx. 100 metres of elevation gain
- steel wire rope
- approx. 400 metres
- Starting point
- Husky-Lodge Muotathal
- Area
- Muotathal · Schwyz
The via ferrata is free of charge. Voluntary contributions towards maintenance are welcome. Before tackling it, be sure to check the current condition and opening status with the Husky Lodge.
From the valley floor straight into the rock face
Route description
Husky-Lodge – East Entrance
The starting point is the Husky-Lodge mountain hotel in Balm in the Muotathal. From the car park, the marked approach leads along the valley floor to the East entrance.
You should allow about ten minutes for the approach. If there are sheep fenced in at the East entrance, the West entrance must be used.
East entrance and long rock path
Right after the entry, a short section of difficulty K2 leads onto the long rock ledge. After that, the steel cable route follows mostly easy terrain to the west.
The so-called rock path is graded K1 to K2. Along the way there is a set-up abseil point. However, using it requires additional equipment as well as knowledge of belaying and abseiling.
Exit cliff path or complete route
At the western end of the lower rock ledge, the decision is made: beginners can easily and safely leave the rock path here.
Those who complete the full via ferrata follow the steel cable further upwards. From this point on, the difficulty, exposure and physical exertion increase significantly.
Vertical wall and ladder
Now it goes steeply over the first rock step. The crux forms a roughly 20-metre-high, vertical wall with difficulties up to K4.
This is followed by a five-metre-high ladder. Above it, you reach Buny’s Querbändli, where a short breather with a view over the Muotathal is well worth it.
crosswise strip, chimney and honeycomb nest
Across the long traverse band, the route initially continues through easier terrain. Subsequently, a ramp and another steep step lead to the chimney and the so-called Wabennest.
The route alternates repeatedly between short recovery sections and steeper climbing spots.
Airy passage to the Chänzeli
<Climbing over further iron rungs high up in the air towards the Chänzeli, this exposed passage once again demands concentration and a confident handling of the via ferrata set.
At the Chänzeli there is a wall book and a bench. Here the view opens up over the Muotathal and across to the Hochflue.
Exit and return path
The final metres continue securely along the steel cable to the exit. Afterwards, follow the hiking trail through the forest back to the Husky Lodge.
You should allow about 15 minutes for the descent back to the starting point.
Not every variant is equally difficult
Rock path or full via ferrata?
Rock path · K1–K2
The rock path follows the long lower ledge. It contains easy secured sections and is suitable for getting to know the equipment and moving on the steel cable.
Before the steep crux, the route can be left. This means climbing the vertical wall is not strictly necessary.
Via ferrata · K3–K4
The complete route goes via the approximately 20-metre-high vertical rock face, the ladder and several other steep and exposed passages.
This variant demands significantly more arm strength, stamina and experience. Despite the short approach, it is not a classic beginner's via ferrata.
Route and key sections
Topo via ferrata Husky-Lodge
The topo shows the eastern entrance, the long rock path, the possible exit, the steep sections of the via ferrata and the descent route through the forest.
Solid red line: secured route on the rock. Red dotted line: approach and descent paths.
Arrival and approach
Map and starting point
The map shows the car park at the Husky Lodge, the approach route to the East entrance, the shorter access to the West entrance and the descent path back to the starting point.
Short doesn't automatically mean simple
Requirements
The entire Husky Lodge via ferrata is rated K3 to K4. The vertical wall in particular and the exposed passages require strength, a head for heights and a confident handling of the via ferrata set.
- Surefootedness in steep rock terrain
- A head for heights on exposed sections
- Safe clipping and unclipping of the carabiners
- Sufficient arm strength for the vertical wall
- Basic fitness level for around 100 metres of via ferrata altitude gain
- minimum height of 1.35 metres
- At least 1.60 metres gripping height
- minimum weight of 40 kilograms
Choosing right for beginners and families
Is the via ferrata suitable for children?
The easier rock path can be a good way for athletic beginners to familiarise themselves with the via ferrata set. The full via ferrata is significantly more demanding due to the vertical and exposed sections.
For the complete route, a minimum height of 1.35 metres, a reach height of 1.60 metres and a minimum weight of 40 kilograms apply. In addition, sufficient strength and the mental confidence for a 20-metre-high vertical wall are required.
Pictures from the rock face
Husky-Lodge via ferrata gallery
Impressions of the rock path, the steep climbing sections, the ladder and the exposed traverses above the Muotathal.
Safely through the steep rock face
Equipment
- Climbing harness
- Standards-compliant via ferrata set
- climbing helmet
- Good trekking or walking boots
- Via ferrata gloves to personal preference
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Drinks and personal sustenance
Complete via ferrata equipment can be hired at reception in the Husky Lodge. The official hire equipment is intended for persons weighing over 40 kilograms and with a height of 1.35 metres and above.
The abseil point is not part of standard via ferrata equipment. This requires an appropriate rope, safety equipment and sound knowledge in addition.
Good to know
Questions about the Husky Lodge via ferrata
How difficult is the Husky Lodge via ferrata?
The easier rock path is rated K1 to K2. The complete via ferrata route reaches K3 to K4. The crux is an approximately 20-metre-high, vertical rock face.
Is the via ferrata suitable for beginners?
The rocky path is suitable for getting to know the route. Before the crux, there is a safe exit. The full via ferrata is significantly more challenging and is only recommended for inexperienced people with expert guidance.
How long does the tour take?
The ascent from the Husky Lodge takes about ten minutes. 45 to 60 minutes are given for the complete via ferrata. The descent back to the lodge takes about 15 minutes.
Where does the via ferrata start?
The standard access point is located to the east of the Husky Lodge. If sheep are fenced in there, the operator requires the west access point to be used.
Is it only possible to walk the simple rock path?
Yes. At the end of the lower rock ledge, before the steep crux, there is a designated exit. This means that the difficult upper route does not have to be climbed.
Can you abseil from the cliff path?
An abseiling point has been set up on the cliff path. It may only be used with additional climbing equipment and the necessary knowledge of belaying and abseiling.
Is the via ferrata suitable for children?
The route has a minimum height requirement of 1.35 metres, a grip height of 1.60 metres and a minimum weight of 40 kilograms. The complete via ferrata also requires strength, a head for heights and via ferrata experience.
Can you hire via ferrata equipment?
Yes. Complete via ferrata equipment can be hired at reception of the Husky Lodge. Price, availability and opening hours should be checked directly with the lodge beforehand.
Is the inspection free of charge?
Yes. Access to the via ferrata is free of charge. Voluntary donations for the inspection and maintenance of the facility are welcome.
When is the via ferrata open?
The usual season lasts from about April to November. Opening times and condition can change depending on the weather and maintenance. Therefore, you should check with the Husky-Lodge before undertaking the walk.
Technology, safety and learning to abseil
Via ferrata Husky-Lodge with mountain guide
The rock path and the subsequent via ferrata offer interesting terrain for an individual training day. We learn the correct use of the via ferrata set, an energy-saving movement technique and how to assess difficult sections.
Depending on experience, the training can be supplemented with abseiling. The programme, duration and difficulty are tailored to you, your family or your private group.
Group via ferrata course
Together with other participants, you will learn equipment, belaying and movement techniques on a suitable via ferrata.
View group class
Private via ferrata course
Personal training for you, your family or your friends – with a custom date, pace and training programme.
View private courseDiscover more via ferratas
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