Elferkofel - C (D/E)
Elevation: 300 m / Lenght: 690 m
Approach: 2 hrs / Duration: 1,5 hrs
Rating: 5/5
https://ferrataguide.com/ferrata/Elfer_Nordwand_-_Klettersteig_%28variant_DE%29
This article will summarize two beautiful ferratas, which are located in an even more remarkable rock town at an altitude of around 2400 m. The first, more demanding one, called Elfer Nordwand, which is of difficulty level D with a very short D/E section, will make you feel like you are in the Dolomites. The second, called Elferkogel, will have you climbing mountain ridges with beautiful views. It is a relatively easy C and quite busy in summer in good weather.
First of all, it is necessary to mention the path to the via ferrata itself, where I will advise you on how to save some energy and a few meters of altitude. To get to the via ferrata itself, you need to climb at least 550 m of elevation gain in approximately two hours. But I must tell you in advance that it is really worth it!
If you decide to climb Elferkogel (2505 m) on a more demanding and considerably less frequented via ferrata of difficulty D, you need to turn right at the signpost (47.0911450N, 11.3190611E). The markings lead straight uphill, but during the summer months I would rather recommend the perhaps slightly more dangerous, but beautiful and photogenic path leading along the rock walls and towers. Thanks to it, you will also save about 50 m of elevation gain, which is worth it. Someone who climbs ferratas of difficulty D should be able to walk along the path along the slope, I guess…
To make matters worse, the last meters before the start you really need to climb the rock without any ropes. It is about 10 m of easy climbing, but still be careful. After overcoming it, around the corner your dream ferrata is finally waiting for you.
The beginning is quite easy and fun, but there are repeated sections that have to be crossed without protection. After about 20 minutes you reach a large rock gap, which is then followed by the rest of the route. The whole time I felt like I was climbing somewhere in the Dolomites. The D difficulty section seemed more challenging, but more fun than the tight D/E section in the small rock gap that I bypassed.
Then you find yourself in a town of rock towers, which you can walk around as you please. For a while I wasn't sure which way to go. The final C difficulty section was the most difficult in my opinion, but I don't mean up, but rather down. There is no other way from the top. Then you have an unprotected passage through a rock city, where you literally jump from rock to rock, which I thought was really crazy. Finally, after a while of descending, you will reach the Elferkogel peak with long ridge ferrata.
For beginners, it is an absolutely ideal climbing difficulty and the exposure is optimal. If someone has a mental block, they can do it too, but it will not be completely free. I would recommend climbing the ferrata from this direction: 47.0843217N, 11.3142131E. Since it is a popular and relatively frequented route, you will almost certainly meet other climbers along the way.
I descended about halfway and then went back along the yellow tourist route and enjoyed absolutely excellent views of the Ilmspitze (2692 m), Kirdachspitze (2840 m) and Hammerspitze (2641 m) peaks. I would recommend the trip even to non-climbers. You can reach the rock city and the Östicher Elferturm (2499 m) peak without ferrata equipment.
Circular route from the cable car via an unmarked access path to the ferrata.