Little Ballun family via ferrata in Galtür

Difficulty level: easy
Suitable for: families with children who want to experience climbing

TVB Paznaun-Ischgl

The view is magnificent, you feel like you're in the high Alps - yet Little Ballun via ferrata in Galtür is only a few minutes away from the mountain station of Birkhahnbahn. There are varied climbing passages; the level of difficulty is between A and B. Adults with climbing experience can manage the 100 vertical meters in 30 to 90 minutes, for children you should plan an hour more (minimum age is eight years). However, children should already be confident with the via ferrata rope, as there are many crossings. It's very slippery when wet, so be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand! Highlight: The fantastic view of the Silvretta mountains.

Via ferrata Fernau in the Stubai Valley

Difficulty level: medium
Suitable for: climbers with experience and equipment - helmet is compulsory

© TVB Stubai Tirol

The ascent takes two to three hours, with steel cables marking the route of this varied via ferrata, which is popular at weekends because it's not far from Innsbruck. There are many exposed passages with one narrow section, but there are also a number of nice resting places to take a break and catch your breath; a small mountain lake awaits on the descent. However, you shouldn't ascend in wet conditions. The best place to find out whether you are confident enough to tackle this climb is in the hut area, where there's a practice via ferrata. If you have problems with this, you can still go to the Egesengrat, which is easier to manage. Highlight: The view is unbeatable: Glacier views are guaranteed.

Kaiser-Max via ferrata in the Martinswand

Difficulty level: difficult
Suitable for: very experienced climbers to professionals

Innsbruck Tourism / Christian Vorhofer

Some claim that the Kaiser Max via ferrata is one of the most difficult in the world. It's definitely only suitable for experienced climbers, as its slippery vertical slabs are exhausting (difficulty level C-D). 300 meters of exposed climbing are on the agenda, with a challenging 100-meter vertical at the end. If you notice that you're running out of breath after the first part, you can get off at Maximilian Grotto and descend on foot without any problems. Section II should only be tackled by experienced climbers anyway. Highlight: If you manage the vertical finale, you know that you're an absolute climbing pro and that the world is open to new adventures.

Read more: These are the best bike routes in Tyrol