Vie ferrate in Switzerland

A via ferrata in a lakeside setting, arranged with great originality and with plenty of ironwork: ideal for scrambling up the steep rock above the water.

A truly spectacular route in the granite rocks of the Schöllenen gorge, albeit with plenty of grass in between. There are fascinating views down into the wild gorge and its roads.

Alpine, rather sparsely secured route with a hut at the end of the fixed-rope section. Fabulous scenery of the Baltschied Valley; the descent is a non-stop feast for the eyes.

Large, widely varied ridge crossing against a fantastic Alpine backdrop; it features a short walk-in, plenty of action and a few special highlights such as the large suspension bridge.

Short via ferrata route. Especially suitable for families with children. Can be opened very rapidly in the spring, as it is south-facing.

This tour offers great views of the peaks for modest effort, with a few attractive via ferrata passages thrown in for good measure. Ideal for beginners, even those with older children.

A fine example of the Alpine via ferrata, set in stunning scenery. With good safety - wire ropes, iron pins and some ladders, as well as an iron rope ladder.

A sports via ferrata in the French style, with very steep, compact rock with a few slightly overhanging passages and an airy traverse.

The via ferrata on the Rotstock, 260 metres in length, is a route for via ferrata walkers and experienced mountain walkers with a head for heights (and with the right safety equipment).

A via ferrata in stunning countryside, along a 350-metre high wall, arranged in a series of columns and gorges, over which - and through which - the Allmibach flows, creating four waterfalls. For 20 years, paragliders have found promising thermals above this wall,

A sports via ferrata "à la française", running through the drops on the north side of the Tête aux Chamois: numerous extremely exposed traverses, and in between these shorter vertical passages.

The longest and most demanding via ferrata in Switzerland! Long, vertical ladders, with steep and strength-sapping climbs. The backdrop is grandiose, and the views across and down are fantastic.

The Tour d'Aï is short and powerful. The via ferrata is difficult, highly exposed, at one point even with a slight overhang, and has excellent safety.

An athletic via ferrata, the kind of climb which the Lugano mountain guide Delio Ossola.

A characteristic Alpine via ferrata, set against a stunning backdrop, with excellent safety using rope wires, pitons and some ladders.

One of the most spirited and most spicy routes, on the massive mountain local to the town of Gruyères.

A secured climb for mountain walkers, offering two Vie ferrate for beginners and experienced climbers on the 'Rüeblihorn', the name given by the Saanenland locals to Le Rubli.

Tough sports via ferrata, with excellent safety using wire ropes, iron treads and artificial handholds.

Arranged wholly in the style of its French (or western Swiss) predecessors, this via ferrata has optimum safety. The views across and down into the Val de Travers from above, on the broad rock barrier, are very appealing.