It’s not exactly easy to say, but it’s not that hard to do.

Klettersteig, or via ferrata, are permanent and protected climbing routes found in mountain ranges around the world.

In Klettersteig, climbers follow a fixed steel cable along a set climbing route using iron rungs, pegs, carved steps and sometimes ladders.

Using a special kit, climbers are safely secured to the cable which means usually difficult routes can be completed in a safe fashion by relatively inexperienced climbers.

Klettersteig range from fairly easy hour long tracks to challenging alpine routes that can take more than 8 hours to finish.

Featured image: Alpes de Haute Provence

Where to do it

Italy

There are more than 400 via ferratas in Italy with over half located in the Dolomites.

Austria

Home to over 550 klettersteig, the sport is extremely popular in Austria and is promoted as a way to get out and experience nature. Many consider Austria’s Arena route as the technically hardest klettersteig in the world.

France

France’s got its first via ferrata in 1988, and since then there are around 200 located throughout the French Alps, Massif Central, the Pyrenees and Corsica.

Switzerland

Despite being smack-dab in the middle of the Alps, Switzerland only opened its first via ferrata in 1993 and there are now over 150 spread across the central and western Switzerland

Germany

There are about 180 Klettersteig in Germany and the easiest can be done without special equipment. Most are found in the southern regions of Germany near the Austrian border.

Rest of the world

You’ll also find tracks in Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK, Canada, China, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Peru and the USA.