Fixed rope routes

Fixed rope routes

Via Ferrata Britannia closed

Our latest via ferrata in the Saas Valley offers a breathtaking climbing experience and a unique view of the Allalin and Mattmark area.

  • Difficulty

    difficult, C/D

    Difficulty : difficult
    C Steep to very steep rocky terrain with many/long exposed passages. Safety elements include cables, iron rungs, pegs and longer or overhanging ladders. A sure foot and a good head for heights required, as well as good physical condition and sufficient strength in arms and legs. Via ferrata equipment necessary, along with safety ropes for people with little experience
    D Vertical, sometimes overhanging terrain, mostly very exposed. Safety elements may be far apart. A sure foot, a good head for heights, excellent physical condition and a great deal of strength in arms and legs necessary. Via ferrata equipment obligatory. Not suitable for beginners or children
  • Length

    1.7 km

  • Duration

    2:45 h

  • Show on map

The Via Ferrata Britannia promises thrills and unique views on the Saas mountains. The difficulty level of the via ferrata is in the range of K-3 (quite difficult) and K-4 (difficult) and some climbing experience is an advantage. The trail to the start leads from the Britannia Hut in the direction of the Glaciertrail/Mattmark. The first challenge starts right at the start, where it goes up on the rock and over individual climbing aids to an easier traverse in the rock. With a view of the Britannia Hut, the track then climbs again and doesn't get boring. After about two thirds of the via ferrata, the rock forms a small "plain" that invites you to take a breather. After this "plain ", the track leads through the most spectacular part to the ridge of the Hinner Allalin. Here the spectacular view opens up on all sides. The blue-white-marked descent goes down to the Hohlaub glacier and back to the Britannia Hut. There may be snowfields in some places at any time.   Opening hours of the Britannia Hut: Winter        4 March to 29 May 2023 Summer   15 June - 24 September 2023

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Turn-by-turn directions

From Felskinn station via Egginerjoch and Chessjen area to the Britannia Hut.

From the Britannia Hut to the entrance, via the via ferrata up to the ridge of the Mittel Allalin and back to the Britannia Hut.

Start: Britannia Hut (3027 m)
Destination: Britannia Hut (3027 m)

Author's recommendation

How about an overnight stay at the Britannia Hut?

Technical information

  • Altitude

    3142 m 2946 m

  • Ascent

    251 m

  • Descent

    251 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 6 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Public transport

Take the SBB to Visp and change there to the post bus in the direction of Saas-Fee (bus 511). From the Busterminal, walk to the AlpinExpress or Felskinn cable cars and ride to the Morenia station. From here you hike to the Britannia Hut.

Approach

Saas-Fee/Saas Valley can easily be reached by car from all directions, whether from Switzerland or abroad.

From the north, you can reach us via Bern using the Lötschberg car transport. Discounted tickets for the Lötschberg car transport are available at the tourist offices in the Saas Valley.

From the east, you can reach us via the Furka Pass or the Furka car transport.

From the south you can reach us via the Simplon Pass or Simplon car transport and from the west you drive via Lausanne along the Rhone Valley to Visp and from there towards Saas-Fee.

From Visp, drive south in the direction of Saas-Fee. At the "Killerhof" roundabout after Stalden, take the second exit towards Saas-Fee. In Saas-Grund, turn right after the church in the direction of Saas-Fee.

Parking

You will find parking spaces in the car park directly at the entrance to Saas-Fee.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Via ferrata equipment
  • Good footwear
  • Outdoor clothing
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket with you
  • Headgear
  • Sun protection
  • Tea/water bottle
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Photo camera
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Map/ printout of the trail (click on "Print" to download)
  • First Aid Kit

Safety information

  • Pay attention to the timetable of the cable cars.
  • Pay attention to the weather conditions.
  • Plan enough time.
  • Check with the mountain guide offices for any special requirements and take a mountain guide with you if you are not experienced in via ferrata.