Normally this route runs through traced paths as well as through rocky or rock enforced terrain (flat till medium steepness, which offers sufficient steps). Where the steps are missing, there are footholds (short ladders, iron stirrups, etc.). Exposed passages are consistently fixed with steel ropes and chains. Surefootedness, having a head for heights and a good physical condition are essential. Practical mountaineers can do this route also without self-belaying.
This route runs in sections through steep rock terrain and is, if necessary, saved by steel ropes or chains, vertical passages are facilitated with ladders, steps or footholds. Sometimes also less difficult terrains are well saved. In any case you should reckon that there will be exposed passages and small steps, some passages require arm strength. A good physical condition, endurance, arm and leg strength, having a head for heights and surefootedness are required.
This route runs through steep till very steep rock terrain with long vertical passages. The steps are mostly small and you have to overcome long and exposed passages, which require partly a lot of arm strength. Footholds and iron stirrups have often long gabs. A very good physical condition, endurance, arm and leg strength, having a head for heights and surefootedness are necessary.
This route runs through vertical rock terrain with only a few points of repose. Between the artificial breakpoints (iron stirrups and footholds), which facilitate only the most difficult parts, there are long distances. The route is mostly fixed only with a steel rope and proceeds very exposed. Steps and holds are in most cases very small. You can find also small and well saved overhanging rocks, which require effort. A complex climbing technique and knowledge of sequences of movements are necessary, effort-saving climbing is a must. A very good physical condition, strength and routine on a ferrata are fundamental requirements.
This route runs on long passages in vertical, sleek rock and mostly through exposed terrain and overhanging rock – here you can find sometimes footholds and brackets, which are lay wide apart. Short and not saved climbing parts until II. difficulty level can exist. These routes are very strength-sapping and make high demand on climbing technique and mind. Extensive mountaineering experience, perfect physical condition and a lot of strength are the basic requirement. On the routes, a retreat downwards is not possible.
At the itinerary planning you should consider not only the difficult of the Via Ferrata, but also the total length of the route. It is a huge difference, if you need extremely strength on 100 meters difference of altitude or on 500 meters. Besides you should include also the geographical positions of the individual ascents. High alpine ascents differ by many factors from a Via ferrata of the same difficulty in the lower locations (weather activity, temperature, height, solitude, long ascend and descent).