Luft unter den Sohlen
Luft unter den Sohlen which translates into 'Air under your feet' via-ferrata offers really nice climbing experience in good quality rock (primordial rock). It is not really long - it’s about 150 meters of vertical height. The quality of protection is satisfying. Short traverses and vertical climbs prevail for the most of the way up. This means some fun on plate, pillar and chimney formations. Because of the vertical character via ferrata requires a bit of strength and maybe better technique as with some spots it’s not that easy to rest. But it’s not that long and does not require a strenuous ascent. Adding the nice feeling of airiness under the feet it’s definitely to give it a try !
The Carinthia flag marks the end of the demanding section of ferrata, then there is some secured traverse to descent path which also has some occasional protection (rated as I). It takes approximately 1 hour to complete. Another hour would be spend on getting to and from ferrata starting point.
One merino layer enough in the sun, a bit chilly in the shade. All in all pretty warm for November.
Ascent path to the ferrata start is well marked and also frequented and it's nearly impossible to get lost. It's a bit narrow and steep but the ascent is not that long. Via-ferrata offers really decent protection throughout all sections.
No info.
Car driven to Radentheim and parked on the lay-by just below the official parking lot in there. It's connected by the dirt road not really nice to drive.
Because of the south - eastern location of the Breitwand face this place can get nastily hot in the summer months so if that's the case for your timing try to do it in the early morning or afternoon when the sun is already on the other side. But autumun months work really well.
I used the climbing shoes to climb this ferrata - honestly just by chance as we had climbed in the nearby climbing garden before and wanted to check the feeling. I would say that climbing shoes are not an overkill and help a lot. Of course traditional, low ascent shoes will also do the job.
Having additional sling to rest is also recommended. After all you will surely want to take some photos and that is much easier with both hands.
Falling stones from above, exposed and overhanging sections.
ferrata set, helmet, climbing shoes, sling, locked carabiner
Look from above on the first sections of Luft unter den Sohlen via - ferrata.
First overhand to climb. Plenty of steps and hols, just a little strength required
It's also air under your ass in this case... photo taken just above the overhang from previous one.
Only gutter - like formation on the route, really enjoyable.
Probably one of the most iconic spots of the ferrata - a vertical wall. Still there are holds and steps that help to climb it without much resting.
View from the final sections, that is the traverse continuing from previous photo.
Carinthia's (Austrian state) flag marks the end of fun. No we can rest a bit or head down.