Vorarlberg Cableway Pact: Adventure on the Karhorn Via Ferrata.
A Summer Highlight at the Arlberg.
Anyone familiar with the mountains around Warth-Schröcken knows: this is where outdoor enthusiasts’ hearts beat faster. And few know the region better than mountain guide Christian Fritz. With passion, experience, and a special connection to the Vorarlberg peaks, he leads guests, friends, and even novice climbers over the impressive rock giants of the Arlberg Alps. His latest pride: the Karhorn Via Ferrata, an experience that combines thrills, technique, and panoramic views to perfection.
Karhorn Via Ferrata.
The Karhorn Via Ferrata is one of the summer mountain highlights in Warth am Arlberg.
From the top station of the Steffisalp-Express summer cable car, the entrance to the Karhorn Via Ferrata can be reached on foot in about 45 minutes. The route follows the east ridge in roughly two and a half hours (550 vertical metres, including approach) or can be extended from here with the challenging panoramic west ridge via ferrata (C/D, 600 vertical metres).
At the top, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama towards the Bregenzerwald and Lechtal, as well as views over the villages of Warth and Lech.
Christian Fritz knows every bend, every rock, and every climbing peg in his home mountains. He personally installed many of the anchors on the west ridge. “Via ferratas are the perfect mix for those who find mountain hiking too dull but free climbing too risky,” explains the experienced mountain guide.
Karhorn Via Ferrata
Karhorn Via Ferrata
Karhorn Via Ferrata
Karhorn Via Ferrata
Out with the Professional.
On a sunny summer day, we join Tobi, Hanna, and Andi on their first via ferrata tour. The three friends start in Warth (1,500 m), take the Steffisalp-Express to the top station, and climb in about an hour to the Wartherhorn Saddle (approx. 2,200 m). Christian helps them put on their via ferrata gear, while Tobi carefully steps over the scree – an unfamiliar dance on unstable stones. “You have to trust yourself,” Christian calls out encouragingly.
The route along the east ridge passes through high-alpine terrain, sometimes exposed but well secured. The steady clink of carabiners on the steel cable accompanies every step. Despite the thrill, you feel fully immersed in nature here.
The Mountain World of the Fritz Family.
Christian Fritz’s love of the mountains runs in the family: his father Gebhard has been a mountain guide since 1979, and his brother Mathias since 2017. The Fritz family runs a hotel garni in Warth and played a key role in the development of the Karhorn Via Ferrata. The route has existed since 2001, the west ridge was opened in 2009, and the normal route secured in 2020. Today, the via ferrata is one of the most popular experiences in the region.
Christian himself is a world champion and all-around mountain guide, traveling across all continents. Yet no matter how tempting the world’s high peaks are, he is always drawn back home: “Our mountains are not just a gift of nature for me, but also a place to be active, a source of energy, and a fountain of ideas. They make me happy.”
Thrills with a Panorama.
On the narrow ridge, among the Alpine giants, Tobi reaches his limits. Yet under Christian’s safe guidance, he masters every passage. Step by step, the tension eases, and his gaze wanders over the wild sea of peaks stretching to the Lechtal and Bregenzerwald. “G’schafft!” calls Christian – a moment full of pride, joy, and humility.
Depending on experience, one can choose between the east and west ridges or the normal route. Those who are fit can tackle the airy ridge scrambling over the mini rope bridges of the west ridge. Those who prefer caution descend via the secure normal route. For everyone, with a professional like Christian Fritz, safety is guaranteed – and the experience unforgettable.
Adventure in a Summer Paradise.
The Warth-Schröcken region offers more than just the Karhorn Via Ferrata: wild water swimming, canyoning, flying fox, adventure parks – the so-called Outdoor Big Five – make the area a versatile summer paradise. At the same time, the quiet side of the Arlberg remains, far from mass tourism, ideal for enthusiasts, athletes, and families alike.
The Karhorn Via Ferrata is not only a sporting highlight but also an intense nature experience. Anyone who has climbed the mountains under Christian’s guidance returns to the valley with a new sense of freedom, respect for nature, and unforgettable impressions.