This past spring, I had my first experience with a West Virginia via ferrata, and it was truly one of my most memorable adventures to date. After I had purchased my plane ticket to Scotland and planned out my European itinerary, via ferratas were one of the prioritized possible activities I researched.

Italian for “iron path,” via ferratas are a cross between hiking and climbing. Although no technical climbing skills are required, per se, the equipment and the exposure are similar to what you might face on the side of a mountain.

The Murren to Gimmelwald trail is one of the most popular in Switzerland and sees a lot of activity from locals and visitors alike. Located in the Jungfrau region of the Alps, this via ferrata was the perfect ending to my three-week European trip.

In this highly subjective review, I consider four key components of a via ferrata that (I feel) contribute to the overall fun factor: 1] access, 2] course set-up, 3] setting, and 4] ambiance.

1. Access

Accessibility is a two-edged sword. If a place is too easy to access, it can be quickly overrun with tourists. Likewise, if a location is too difficult to access, the inherent challenges can become quite frustrating.

The Murren to Gimmelwald via ferrata was a great balance of accessibility yet with enough hurdles sprinkled through to keep it interesting.

From Thun (pronounced “Toon”), I had to take three trains and a gondola* to reach Murren, which is high, high, high up in the mountains. Once I arrived in the early morning, I rented my via ferrata equipment from Intersport. Important: you must have a special via ferrata leash since normal rock climbing slings aren’t safe.

The walk to the trail entrance was straightforward and easy from the rental store.

Overall access score: 8/10

* My Swiss Oberland public transportation pass came in handy and included all local travel. Strongly recommend.

2. Course Set-Up

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think the Murren to Gimmelwald via ferrata course could have had some more thought put into it. Yes, there were incredible moments at the hanging bridge and cliff-face sections, yet the majority of the course itself was a simple hike. There were numerous times when I was able to simply unhook from the system since I was essentially hiking for half a mile or so on a dirt path. This was still “fun,” as I thoroughly enjoy hiking, but the best parts of the course squished together would only account for about 15%.

Conclusion: more cliff faces!

Overall course set-up score: 6/10

3. Setting

The views on the Murren to Gimmelwald via ferrata were astounding. The valley below stood in contrast to the towering mountains. Being up high afforded an immaculate perspective of the surrounding area in all of its glory.

Even the peaceful hikes through the woods were gorgeous.

There was running water.

There were water falls.

There were spectacular things to look at all around.

Overall setting score: 9/10

4. Ambiance

I consider the ambiance of a via ferrata to encompass the overall feel of the trek. It includes the above criteria – the setting – as well as multiple factors that come into play within the experience itself.

First of all, is the idea of exposure.

Exposure means hanging out in space. It is having air all around you. It is best experienced (in my opinion) when securely attached to a rope or chain system. Exposure can mean high consequences if there is no safety backup.

The Murren to Gimmelwald via ferrata had moments of incredible exposure. The hanging bridge, for example, had open air on either side that added to the exciting, adventurous ambiance of the trek. The iron bars partway through the trail had thousands of feet of air beneath.

Another key factor to consider in regard to ambiance is crowds. Too many people = annoying. The day I did the via ferrata, there was a pretty big traffic jam at the beginning, as most people set out at the same time, and this included some slow-pokes.

Once I managed to pass some people, the general feel improved.

Overall ambiance score: 8/10

How does this compare to the West Virginia via ferrata you did near Seneca?

I’m so glad you asked!

In comparing the two, I remain quite impressed with the WV trek that I completed months ago. The trail itself included more rock-face, technical maneuvering. The via ferrata in the Swiss Alps takes the edge on valley views, however.

WV Via Ferrata Scores

Access – 8/10 (kind of in the middle of nowhere, which I liked).

Course Set-Up – 7/10 (well thought-out and designed with integrity).

Setting – 8/10 (“old” mountains of the Monongahela National Forest).

Ambiance – 8/10 (great exposure, not too crowded).