A panoramic view from Switzerland’s oldest climbing route
Pinut Via Ferrata
Below me, the trees are getting smaller and smaller. Ahead of me, the next steel ladder rises almost vertically up the rock face. I take a deep breath, clip my carabiners in, and off I go. At that very moment, I knew: I won’t forget this climb anytime soon.
The Pinut via ferrata isn’t just a real adventure—it’s also a piece of Swiss mountain history. It was first mentioned in writing as early as 1739 and is now considered the oldest surviving via ferrata in Switzerland. The route leads up to the Flimser Alp via ladders, through rocky passages, and past spectacular views…
…and that’s exactly the route I tried.
From Peaks Place to Pinut
Getting there
My first stop is at Peaks Place, where I rent a via ferrata set. After that, the B411 post bus takes me from Laax Rancho to Fidaz, Pinut. Thanks to the guest card, the ride is free, and just a few minutes later I’m standing at the starting point of the hike.
Once I arrive at the starting point, it’s time to put on my backpack and get going.
Getting Started
The Approach
From the bus stop in Fidaz, Pinut, the trail leads through the forest at first. So I gain the first 200 meters of elevation without even hitting the via ferrata yet; after about 30 minutes, I reach the trailhead.
The closer I get, the more excited I become. The rocks of the Flimstein keep flashing into view through the trees, and I slowly realize: Soon, it won’t just be uphill anymore, but right along the rock face.
Once I reach the starting point, I take a brief moment to prepare. I put on my helmet, strap on my via ferrata set, double-check everything… and then the adventure can begin.
On the road in the great outdoors
Der Blick der alles stoppt
Nach einiger zeit verändert sich etwas. Der Rhythmus passt, die Schritte werden gleichmässig, der Kopf wird ruhiger. Ich gehe einfach und genau dabei passiert es: Der Blick zu den Tschingelhörnern öffnet sich.
Schnee bedeckt die markanten Felsen und verstärkt ihre Form. Klar, kantig und unglaublich präsent stehen sie in der Landschaft. Ich bleibe automatisch stehen. Nicht aus anstrengung, sondern aus Respekt.
Mit Schnee wirken die Tschingelhörner noch eindrucksvoller. Die Kontraste sind stärker, die Linien klar. Es ist einer dieser Momente, wo man nichts erklären muss! Man weiss direkt, warum dieser Ort Teil des UNESCO-Weltnaturerbes ist.
Hier draussen zeigt sich die Natur nicht spektakulär im Sinne von laut. Sie beeindruckt durch ihre Ruhe. Und genau mit diesem Gefühl gehe ich weiter. Schritt für Schritt hinaus in die offene Ebene. Vor mir liegt der obere Segnesboden, bereit für den nächsten Teil dieser Tour.
Between ladders and steep rock faces
Reaching for the Sky
“Okay, there’s no turning back now.” That’s my first thought as I stand in front of the first ladder. I clip in my carabiners, place my first foot on the rung—and suddenly I’m right in the middle of the adventure.
Ladder by ladder, I work my way up. In between, stairs and narrow rock passages lead through the Flimserstein. Again and again, I pause briefly, glance back, and marvel at how far I’ve already come. With each section, not only does the view get better, but so does the grin on my face.
It’s not just the view that’s impressive
A via ferrata with a rich history
After climbing the tall ladders, the trail takes you over small bridges, through short stretches of forest, and time and again along impressive rock faces. It’s precisely this variety that keeps the tour exciting right up to the end.
Did you know: The Pinut is the oldest surviving via ferrata in Switzerland. It was first mentioned in writing as early as 1739. It took on its current form in 1907, before undergoing extensive renovation in 2007.
A Treat to End the Meal
Back down to the valley with many memories
After the final climb, I reach the Flimser Alp—the perfect spot for a well-deserved break. With a view of the mountains, I enjoy the peace and quiet and grab a bite to eat at the small self-service kiosk.
Then I head back to Fidaz via Bargis. The descent down the many natural steps requires a bit of concentration once more before I arrive back at the bus stop.
One last glance up at the Flimserstein is enough to realize: This hike will stay with me. For me, the Pinut via ferrata is the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and breathtaking views.
Everything you need to know about the tour:
Everything you need to know
The route in detail
Are you looking forward to the via ferrata? Here are the details:
- Start: Fidaz, Pinut bus stop
- End: Fidaz, Pinut bus stop
- Length: 8.7 km
- Elevation gain: 871 hm
- Duration: 5.50 h
