Braunwald Via Ferrata & Rock Climbing Guide – Klettersteig

Gazing at mountains is one thing, but the allure of touching and conquering their formidable rocks is undeniable. Enter the enchanting realm of Braunwald’s Eggstöcke formations, where the urge to connect with these natural wonders becomes irresistible.

Braunwald Via Ferrata & Rock Climbing – Klettersteig

Nestled within this awe-inspiring landscape, the Braunwald Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) and Rock Climbing Garden offers a captivating haven for adventurers. Venturing along the Eggstöcke walls, with their breathtaking vistas, is an experience that beckons climbing enthusiasts and novices alike.

Exploring the Via Ferrata Routes

Understanding the essence of Via Ferrata is crucial before embarking on any adventure. Remember, these routes often follow a one-way path with a designated entry point. There might be some areas where one can easily pass another climber, but in general it is a one-way route.

The Braunwald Via Ferrata routes are conveniently reachable on foot from Gumen, taking less than an hour. Likewise, upon completing your chosen route the return hike to Gumen is equally manageable and will take no more than one hour.

Rock Climbing Garden Highlights

Located on the southern side, the climbing garden boasts an impressive collection of over 40 secured routes, catering to a range of skill levels from 5a to 6b+. Among them, you’ll find a couple of 4c routes and even a challenging 7b+ for experienced climbers.

Click on the map to get more access.

Braunwald Via Ferrata – Eggstöcke Routes

The routes lead over four peaks of the Eggstöcke, mostly along the ridge, promising an unforgettable experience whether you do a half day experience or a full day excursion.
These routes are not for total beginners or young children.
There is a special family and kids friendly Via Ferrata in Braunwald which I am writing about further down on this blog post.

The Via Ferrata routes are graded. A K1 is more like a staircase and super easy whereas a K5 is only recommended for experienced climbers. These routes mostly contain overhangs and some difficult or exposed climbing sections.

Even if you are attached to a steel rope, don’t be fooled. You can still fall and you would not be the first one that needed to be helicoptered off the mountains because of overestimating your strength and ability.

The Eggstöcke Routes

From the K3-rated “Circuit Leiteregg” to the more challenging K5 “Tour Vorder – Hinter Eggstock,” each route unveils unique challenges and rewards.

• Route Blue – Circuit Leiteregg. This is a K3 difficulty and you need to count 2.5 to 3.5 hours
• Route Red – Tour Vorder – Mittler Eggstock. This is a K3 and you need to count 4.25 to 6.25 hours
• Route Black – Tour Vorder – Hinter Eggstock. This is a K5 difficulty and you need to count 4.5 to 6.5 hours
• Route Black – Leiteregg ascent (double track). This is a K5 grading.

I have not done any of these routes. But they look amazing. We did the family route and as I have gathered this information, I figured I may as well add it to the blog post.

Beginners and Family Via Ferrata – Braunwald

Families and those new to Via Ferrata can enjoy Braunwald’s family-oriented route at the Gumen station. Ideal for introducing young adventurers to this thrilling activity, the route offers an approachable entry point to the world of climbing.

We embarked on this route with our 8 years old twins, who are rock climbers but had never tried a Via Ferrata before. It was a fantastic way to introduce them to this new adventure activity and determine whether they—and we—liked it, and if we should explore more routes like this.

Start the Adventure

It’s a short 10-minute hike up to the rocks where the route begins. Please note that this course is located just behind the Gumen restaurant.

Prior to that, we familiarized ourselves with the equipment at the trial rock near the restaurant. This proved to be a great way to get acquainted with the gear.

We rented the equipment at the top, and the staff was incredibly friendly. They assisted us in equipping the kids and shared a few tricks on how to change the carabiners easily when on the wall. If some of you would rather go hiking this is also the start of the Zwerg Bartli theme trail.

On the Via Ferrata Wall

While on the wall, I must admit it was a bit nerve-racking at first. You should be aware that even with the equipment, there is a possibility of falling. A shock absorber line on the harness provides about 2 metres of leeway to ensure a dynamic and softer fall.

The idea that they could potentially fall stressed me out. In rock climbing, it’s different as they are on the rope, and I have control over the slack. Even if they fall, it’s usually a small drop of only a few centimetres.

Nonetheless, everything went smoothly, and the kids actually exceeded expectations. The route offers a great mix of technical and easy sections. Some parts traverse the rock face, while others involve climbing up the wall and navigating through narrow passageways.

Finish the Adventure

By the end, I wished we had brought gloves. There were numerous cold steel ropes to hold onto, and a couple of very minor injuries. Nothing serious, but these could have easily been prevented with gloves.

Sport Rock Climbing Garden – Braunwald

For those preferring traditional rock climbing, Braunwald’s Eggstöcke presents a paradise with 40 secured routes ranging from 5b to 6b. Even seasoned climbers will find challenges with a 7b+ route awaiting them.

Rock Climbing Equipment
Apart from the helmet and harness and your usual climbing gear you need to bring

• At least 13 Quickdraws, a double rope of 50m or a single rope of 70m.

In the photo below you can see the location of the climbing routes (seen on the photo in orange). Braunwald Tourism was kind enough to send me their maps showing the specific routes in each sector which you will also find below.

Furthermore, after investigating the Braunwald climbing garden further, I found some more secured routes available in the other Eggstock sections. Although note, that these are Multi Pitches with up to 13 pitches.

Shown here in the yellow boxes. Unfortunately, I have not yet found a specific map for them but have listed the names and gradings below.

A massive thank you also to the persons who installed these routes and congratulations on the names: If you do not speak Swiss German these names will be a real tongue-braker! But believe me they all mean something genuine.

: R. Jenny, F. Zimmermann, U. Vogel, B. Angst, H. Kessler, M. Fullin, H. Mörgeli, J. von Dach, F. Jöhl, H. Rauner. And anyone we did not mention.

Eggstöcke Multi Pitch Climbing – Mehr Seil-Länge Yellow BOX

Please note as mentioned above for the following routes, I did not find any route maps and only found these names whilst investigating the climbing area on the web. If you do know more about these routes, please let us know and we can maybe update them. A map would be great.

Vorder Eggstock

1. Altes Südkamin / Old route not recommended / alte Route, nicht empfehlenswert
2. Sött mögli sii – 6a – 12 Pitches  – SL
3. Sambolero – 6b – 12 Pitches  – SL
4. Direkter Pfeiler – 6b – Not sure
5. Südwand – Old route, not clear – alte Route, Routenverlauf unklar
6. Alte Südwand – 5c+ – 7 Pitches  – SL

Mittler Eggstock

1. Alte Südwand – old route not recommended / alte Route, nicht empfehlenswert
2. Traumtänzer – 7a – 3 Pitches  – SL
3. Antarktika – 7b+ – 3 Pitches  – SL
4. Sunnäbrand – 5c, – 5 Pitches  – SL
5. Zigerfrigg – 5c+ – 7 Pitches  – SL
6. Nördliche Sockelwand – 5c – 4 Pitches  – SL
7. Sunnäbrand -5c, – 5 Pitches  – SL
8. Zigerfrigg – 5c+ – 7 Pitches  – SL
9. Nördliche Sockelwand – 5c – 4 Pitches  – SL

Hinter Eggstock

1. Basspfeife – 6b – pitches unknown 250m
2. Südostwand.- 5c – pitches unknown 250m

How to get to the Braunwald Via Ferrata & Climbing Wall at the Eggstöcke

Braunwald Funicular
Begin your journey to the car-free village of Braunwald in Glarnerland. As the village is car-free, you might be wondering how to reach it. Fortunately, it’s quite simple. Take the SBB train or drive to Linthal, where the Braunwald Funicular awaits. In just 7 minutes, the funicular will carry you 600 metres up the mountain, delivering you to the charming Braunwald village.

Gumen Panoramabahn
Your next destination is the Gumen lift station, also known as the Panoramabahn, which transports visitors to the Gumen Berg restaurant. To reach it, just follow the footpath from the Braunwald station, and you’ll arrive there in under 15 minutes. During this journey, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride on either the chairlift or the bubble gondola (whichever comes first). This delightful ride will take you over alpine meadows, above deep green forests, and past a powerful waterfall.

On Foot
Depending on which Via Ferrata or climbing route you’re interested in, you’ll need to take the appropriate hiking trail. Refer to the map for a clearer understanding of the available options.

Good to know
If you travel on a Swiss Travel Pass the Braunwald funicular is included. Half tax cards and Junior cards are also accepted.

Where to Rent Via Ferrata Equipment in Braunwald

If you’re new to Via Ferrata, it’s important to understand that this activity requires specific gear, including helmets, harnesses, and Via Ferrata sets. These differ from the standard rock-climbing equipment.

You can rent a complete Via Ferrata set, including a helmet, harness, and Via Ferrata carabiners and lanyards, from two locations:

1. Kessler Sport Outlet. Located near the children’s playground next to the Hotel Cristal. This outlet is around 100 metres before reaching the Gumen Panoramabahn.

2. Berggasthause Gumen. Directly at the top, at the Berggasthause Gumen.

As of 2023, the cost for a full set rental is CHF 20 for adults and CHF 15 for children. Alternatively, you can rent each piece separately: CHF 8 for adults and CHF 6 for children.

Please note that I haven’t come across any rock-climbing equipment available for rent. Typically, climbers use their own gear and need to bring it along.

Our Tip: It’s a good idea to bring gloves with you. Bike gloves work well for Via Ferratas as they provide protection against cuts from the iron pieces and cables, while also improving grip.

Shops in the area offer specialized climbing gloves from Mammut, priced at CHF 25, and they offer kids’ sizes as well.

What to bring with you on the Via Ferrata route?

In addition to essential equipment, bring a small backpack with suncream, water, snacks, and a windproof jacket.

Proper footwear is needed and it’s important to have shoes with excellent grip. Hiking boots, a good training shoe or an approach shoe are recommended. Avoid sandals or open shoes, as well as rock climbing shoes as they are not suitable for the Via Ferrata.

If you’re planning to tackle the family Via Ferrata, you might choose to leave your bag at the Gumen Restaurant, as this route typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, for longer routes, especially those higher up at the Eggstöcke, it’s definitely advisable to bring your backpack with water.

Good to know

If you like easy access to the Eggstöcke from Braunwald with the Gumen Panorama Bahn, check their opening times and dates. You could hike up but this adds a good 2.5 hours to your day, and wouldn’t you rather spend this time climbing?

The last lift down from Gumen station is at 17h00. Don’t miss this one otherwise, you have to hike back down to Braunwald.
The direct path will take you about 1h30 or longer along the Zwerg Bartli Theme Trail.

If you are staying longer in the Braunwald region check out the interactive map of Braunwald which gives you great information.

Need a place to stay in Braunwald?

The village is super small and only has a handful of accommodation available. We stayed at the award-winning Märchenhotel Braunwald.

Read about our Experience at the Märchenhotel

If you want something smaller we highly recommend the Hotel Tödiblick. They pick you up by a horse drawn carriage from Braunwald station.

And if on a budget but still super comfortable and fun is the Adrenaline Backpackers Hostel in Braunwald. The Hostel is situated in the centre of the car-free village close to the Braunwald Funicular and near shops and bars.

Things to do around Braunwald – Glarus

The Glarnerland offers endless adventures, and we highly recommend extending your stay in Braunwald to explore this region further. You may be interested in our 6 Day Glarus Itinerary.

In Braunwald itself, definitely embark on the trail of the local gnome “Zwerg Bartlis Erlebnisweg” A cool theme trail taking you along the adventures of this local gnome. It starts at the Gumen station and leads back down to Braunwald.

Here are our suggestions for Linthal

1. Limmernsee and Muttsee Hut Hike. Don’t miss out on the Limmernsee and Muttsee Hut Hike, located just across the valley from Braunwald. This hike is Instagram-famous for a reason. You can park at the Tierfehd – Kalktrittli cable car station, and we suggest considering an overnight stay at the hut if you have the time.
2. Linth-Schlucht Exploration. Before or after your hike to the Muttsee Hut, take some time to explore the Linth-Schlucht. Leave your car at the Tierfehd car park and hike to the Linth-Schlucht viewpoint. The hike takes around 45 minutes

3. Berglistüber Waterfall. Another hidden gem, just a short drive from Linthal, is the breathtaking Berglistüber Waterfall. A 10-minute walk from the parking area will take you to the falls. What’s special about Berglistüber is that you can cautiously walk behind the waterfall.

Head over to Elm – Kinderregion

If you’re traveling with family, Elm is a must-visit in Canton Glarus. Only a 30-minute drive from Linthal, Elm is another charming Swiss mountain village. Don’t miss the Ämpächli Kids Paradise. It’s not only one of the best alpine playgrounds but also offers activities like downhill scooter riding, panning for gold, and an exciting theme trail called the “Giants Forest – Riesenwald.”

Relax at the Klöntalersee – Lake Klöntal

To conclude your Glarus adventure, spend one or more two days at the shores of Klöntalersee. Enjoy cycling along the lake, paddleboarding on its emerald-green waters, and experiencing some of the most stunning lake reflections you’ll find.

And if you still have more time check out these trips in Switzerland.

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you are planning on climbing in Braunwald or conquering one of the Eggstöcke Via Verratas.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. This will help others and they can join in the discussion.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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