The World's Most Beautiful Via Ferrata Locations

Check out our selection of the most amazing Via Ferrata locations around the world. The perfect experience for groups and families alike, whatever you do – don’t look down…

The ideal activity for exploring dizzying altitudes without the need to be an expert climber, the ‘Iron Road’ is a suspended assault course made up of iron pegs fixed into the rock to create a stable route.
A great way of building your confidence (even if heights really aren’t your thing), this secure and safety-tested option gives you all the thrills of climbing without the technical kit. Whether you decide to try traditional or sporty versions of Via Ferrata, the principle is the same – follow the cord (usually metallic) across a course with fixed points along the way.

The Huashan Trail, China

Rumored to be one of the most dangerous treks in the world, completing the Huashan trail takes serious guts. A 12 km plank walk with a 1000 m drop, travelling across the thin, creaky wooden structures, it follows a curved mountain trail that you’ll have to navigate without stopping – or turning back…

Mount Kinabalu, Borneo (Malaysia)

The first Via Ferrata course in Asia, and also the highest! Departing at 3,400m and ascending to 3,800m, the views are beyond belief; “A passionate and dangerous adventure” states the site. Comprised of two routes: a three-hour course for beginners and five-hour trails for the adventure nomad – we’ll let you decide…

Roc de Tovière, Val d’Isère

Considered to be one of the most difficult routes in the Alps, Roc de Tovière is a 3-hour trail across three sections with a 400m altitude difference and 1400m of cables. The last section is reserved for the brave! Watch out for the bridge at 250m high with a huge gorge below.

Caminito del Rey in Malaga, Spain

Caminito del Rey is a walkway, pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Ardales in the province of Málaga, Spain. The ‘King’s Pathway’ was closed for over a decade and has been known in the past as the “world’s most dangerous walkway” following five deaths 15 years ago. After a 5.5 million euro investment to secure the route fundraised by the local government, adventure junkies are now invited to travel along the walkway suspended 100m above the ground and explore the waterfalls and sheer rock faces all around. However you feel about heights, there’s no denying the arresting beauty of this amazing landscape.

Lantosque Canyon, France

Situated at the entrance of Mercantour National Park in the Vésubie valley, Lantosque canyon is a 950m long Via Ferrata course with a difference… Travelling across moss-covered boulders and traversing 100m long bridges, this woodland assault course is nestled in the heart of an ancient forest only 45 minutes from Nice – the ideal addition to any summer holiday.

Heraklion, Greece

Located in Kofinas in the south of Crete, follow the route along the side of the mountain for amazing views out towards the Aegean Sea. Leave the sun lounger and explore the Asterousia mountains with local experts from the village of Vagionia as you head up with only the iron road to help you. Catch your breath and hang back for an aerial panorama of the Koudoumas monastery from the top of mount Kofinas.

Wanaka, New Zealand

A nature lover’s top location thanks to its amazing views and beautiful waterfalls, Wildwire Wanaka is a unique course that navigates one of New Zealand’s highest waterfalls. Climb using traditional metal pegs, zip along wires and jump over natural pools before tackling a 700m waterfall. Starting off in the town of Wanaka, continue into the mountains towards the Twin Falls for a spectacular double waterfall experience – all suspended in the air!

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

A 50m abseil course down a cliff face into an ancient forest, test your limits in the wild South African backcountry and give way to the elements on this guided descent into the unknown. Take your time and soak up the view on one of the most beautiful Via Ferrata routes in South Africa.

Lake Garda, Italy

Shadowed by the mighty Brenta Dolomites, Lake Garda marks the entrance to one of the most iconic mountaineering locations in the world. Offering amazing views whilst suspended in the air, head to Cima Capi, Rio Sallagoni and Cengia dei Contrabbandieri for the most exhilarating adventures – which one will you choose?

Baumes Corcades in Centelles, Spain

When it comes to amazing views, it doesn’t get much better than Baumes Corcades. A three-part Via Ferrata course suspended at 800m above the ground with obstacles along the way, this is a nature trail like no other! Famed for its 68m Nepalese bridge – the longest in Europe, explore vertical and horizontal challenges in the heart of the Catalonia countryside. 4,5 km long with 330 m altitude difference, come along and give it a go – if you think you can handle it.

Top Photo Credit: Maja Kochanowska