via ferrata

A via ferrata is a protected path in a mountainous area supported with wire ropes and other climbing aides. Via ferrata is Italian for “iron path”, and has its historical origins in the Alps centuries ago. Initially, the predecessors to via ferratas were used by shepherds to reach their higher pastures. In recent decades, via ferratas have gained in popularity with the climbing community and are today primarily used for sport and recreation. Although via ferratas have been developed in other countries around the world, the hardest and most extreme routes are still within the European Union. We’ve found 12 of them – Watch them all being climbed here!