Access
At the Hochjoch via ferrata, you have two options to choose from.
For the more challenging Route 1, you start at the top station of the Sennigrat Cable Car. From there, follow the signposted “Hochjoch Via Ferrata” trail below the cable car to Kälbersee. You’ll reach the lake in about 20 minutes. The trail then continues past the Schwarzsee to the trailhead above the Schwarzsee. You should allow about 30 minutes in total for the approach.
For the easier Option 2, you’ll head from the Sennigrat Bahn mountain station first to the Wormser Hütte and then on to the Hochalpila Bahn mountain station. Alternatively, the Grasjoch Bahn and Hochalpila Bahn will take you directly to the vicinity of the starting point. From there, follow the signs to the Hochjoch via ferrata. The starting point is located at the top station of the Hochalpila Bahn. You should allow about 1.5 hours for the approach.
Route Description
The Hochjoch via ferrata offers two different route options. Both variants run along the south-southwest face and offer impressive views of the Rätikon, Verwall, and Silvretta ranges. The 60-meter-long suspension bridge just before the summit cross is one of the highlights of the via ferrata. Alternatively, it can be bypassed using safety ropes.
Variant 1: via the west face to the Hochjoch
The more challenging Variant 1 begins near Schwarzsee and leads along Vorarlberg’s longest via ferrata to the summit of the Hochjoch. The route spans approximately 1,750 meters, climbs about 450 meters in elevation, and is rated at difficulty level C.
From the start, you climb up the west face using the continuous steel cable. Two slab sections require strength, stamina, and precise footwork. Shortly before the summit, you’ll encounter the spectacular, approximately 60-meter-long suspension bridge. After that, you’ll reach the summit cross of the Hochjoch.
You should plan on spending about 4 hours on the via ferrata.
Facts Variant 1
- Start: Near Schwarzsee
- Via ferrata duration: approx. 4 hours
- Length: 1,750 meters of rope
- Elevation gain: 450 meters
- Difficulty: C
- Exposure: South-southwest
- Descent: approx. 1 hour
Variant 2: via the Hochalpila Ridge
The easier Variant 2 starts at the top station of the Hochalpila Cable Car and follows the Hochalpila Ridge. With a difficulty rating of B, it is more moderate but remains an alpine via ferrata that requires sure-footedness and a head for heights.
Holding onto the secured steel cable, you follow the ridge toward Hochjoch. Along the way, a sweeping view opens up of the Silvretta, Rätikon, and Verwall ranges, as well as Herzsee, Kälbersee, and Schwarzsee. At the end of the ridge hike, you have two options: You can go directly to the summit cross and return via the same ridge path. Alternatively, you can descend to the 60-meter-long suspension bridge and then return via the ridge as well.
Please do not descend via Route 1 under any circumstances. This route leads through significantly more challenging terrain rated at difficulty level C.
Facts about Route 2
- Starting point: Hochalpila Bahn mountain station
- Duration: approx. 3 hours round trip
- Length: 750-meter rope length
- Elevation gain: 100 meters
- Difficulty: B
- Exposure: South-southwest
- Descent: approx. 1 hour
Descent
For both routes, the exit is near the Hochalpila Bahn. From there, continue to the Kreuzjoch saddle and follow the signs to the Wormser Hut and on to the Sennigrat Bahn mountain station. You should allow about 40 minutes for this.
Alternatively, you can descend via the Seeweg trail through the Seetal valley to the Kapell Bahn mountain station. This route takes about 2 hours and passes the Seetalhüsli on the way to the Kapell Restaurant.
