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VAUDE via ferrata Gargellner Köpfe

High-alpine via ferrata from the Schafberg cable car: short approach, ridge variant B/C or wall variant C/D with two rope bridges – and a summit at 2,482 m.

moderate · B/C summer · 6-9 🎫 Included with the Freizeit-WildPass

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Elevation profile↗ 405 m ↘ 405 m

The Gargellner Köpfe is the classic via ferrata of the Gargellen valley and is praised in English- and German-language guides alike for its effort-to-reward ratio: the Schafberg cable car lifts you to around 2,130 m, and from the Schafberg Hüsli the approach to the start takes only about 30 minutes. Then you choose – the ridge route (B/C) follows the airy edge to the summit, while the harder wall variant (C/D) climbs the rock flank and crosses two rope bridges on the way. Both meet at the summit cross at 2,482 m with views of the Madrisa, the Rätikon and the Silvretta glaciers.

The route is secured throughout with steel cable and rungs; mountain guides offer it as a day tour with an introduction, which also makes it a good first “real” via ferrata after practice routes. Descend on the marked hiking trail back to the Hüsli; allow about 3 to 3½ hours in total.

🧭 Route description

The route leads from Bergrestaurant Schafberg Hüsli via Der Schafberg in der Römerzeit and back to the starting point.

The plotted track follows the marked trails according to OpenStreetMap; see the map, elevation profile and GPX file above. Please follow the signposting on site.

📍 Stages

  1. Bergrestaurant Schafberg Hüsli
  2. Der Schafberg in der Römerzeit

💡 Tips & refreshments

Via ferrata sets can be hired at the valley station in Gargellen. Do not start in wet conditions or when thunderstorms threaten; set off early as the summit is often in cloud by afternoon. The cable car ride is included with the Freizeit-WildPass in summer.

🚌 Getting there by public transport

Landbus 670 Schruns–St. Gallenkirch–Gargellen (hourly), stop Gargellen Schafberg cable car; approx. 20 min from St. Gallenkirch.

🅿️ Parking

Free parking at the Schafberg cable car in Gargellen and at the end of the village (Vergalden).

Emergency: Alpine rescue 140 · Euro emergency 112 · Ambulance 144
All information without guarantee. Please check weather, opening hours and cable car operating times before setting off. Alpine tours require personal responsibility, suitable equipment and experience.

Last updated: 13 Sep 2026 · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)

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