Difficulty
K3
Difficult via ferrata
Sulzfluh, GR
The Gauablickhöhle via ferrata climbs the north side of the Sulzfluh in the Rätikon, leading through a spectacular cave system before rejoining the open.
Image: Manfred Kostner
Difficulty
K3
Difficult via ferrata
Current status
The latest source indicates this route is open
Checked 2 h ago
Total time
14 h 45 min
Approach + via ferrata + descent
The Gauablickhöhle via ferrata climbs the north side of the Sulzfluh in the Rätikon, leading through a spectacular cave system before rejoining the open cliff above. Rated K3, it is easier than the neighboring Sulzfluh ferrata but still requires sure footing, strength and a head lamp for the underground section. It is often linked with the Sulzfluh route to form a full traverse between Prättigau and Montafon, best done with an overnight stay at the Carschina or Tilisuna hut.
Zoomable topographic map showing available approach, via ferrata, descent, start, finish, and parking geometry. The Download GPX link near the route map heading provides the same route geometry as a file.
Segment timings and vertical stats from the current VFOS dataset.
From the summit of the Sulzfluh, descend the broad north/northeast ridge, which may hold snow in early summer, then bear left near Point 2664 into the Rachen gully. Follow the marked path down through two short, easy rock steps (grade I) until a yellow sign directs you right at about 2150 m, roughly 1½ hours below the summit; roping up is advised here due to rockfall risk near the ferrata start.
From the information board at about 2210 m, zigzag up scree to the start of the cables, which climb rock slabs and a short steep rung-assisted step before traversing left into the 350-meter-long Gauablickhöhle. Inside, fixed cables guide the way past a closed-off underground lake to the eastern exit, where steep iron-rung sections alternate with easier ground. A blue-white-blue variant branches off toward the Tilisuna hut and the normal Sulzfluh route, while the main ferrata continues upward, well secured throughout, to the top of the cliff at about 2450 m on the edge of the Karrenfeld plateau.
From the top of the ferrata, either climb a further 260 meters and descend through the Gemschtobel to Partnun and on to St. Antönien Rüti, or traverse toward the Tilisuna hut (2208 m) and follow the path past Partnunsee (1869 m) and Partnun back to St. Antönien Rüti in about 2¾ hours.
No escape point details are recorded yet.
Typical published season
Live status source; no fixed annual season was published.
Plan around the trailhead, parking, and public transport links.
Last lift down
Check operator
During the summer months it is possible to drive up to parking No. 6, in winter to No. 5 and to P No. 12 in the direction of Gafia. For more information regarding parking private vehicles: https://www.luzein.ch/de/verwaltung/parkplaetze and https://www.luzein.ch/system/files/2020-09/Infoblatt Parkplätze Internet 2020.pdf
During the summer months it is possible to drive up to parking No. 6, in winter to No. 5 and to P No. 12 in the direction of Gafia. For more information regarding parking private vehicles: https://www.luzein.ch/de/verwaltung/parkplaetze and https://www.luzein.ch/system/files/2020-09/Infoblatt Parkplätze Internet 2020.pdf
VFOS editorial ratings on a 1-5 scale.
Variety
How much the route changes in movement and terrain.
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Complexity
Route-finding and technical problem-solving beyond pure grade.
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Beauty
Scenery, setting, and overall aesthetic quality.
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Exposure
Airiness and exposure independent of technical difficulty.
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Sustained effort
How continuous or relentless the physical effort feels.
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No crux tags are recorded yet.
Source ratings on the SAC-CAS 1-4 scale.

Check current local information before setting off.
In Switzerland, call Rega on 1414 for mountain rescue. European emergency number: 112.
Cell coverage can be patchy in gorges, valleys, and behind ridges. Download route notes and tell someone your plan.
Avoid thunderstorms and wet rock. Via ferrata cables can become hazardous quickly in poor weather.
https://www.praettigau.info/de/touren/klettersteig-gauablickhoehle
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Opening-season source retained for status provenance.
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/sulzfluh-1911/berg-und-alpinwandern/zustieg-zum-gauablickhoehlen-klettersteig-von-der-sulzfluh-861/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/sulzfluh-1911/berg-und-alpinwandern/abstieg-gauablickhoehle-klettersteig-nach-st-antoenien-862/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/sulzfluh-1911/klettersteig/gauablickhoehle-klettersteig-676/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
No contested fields are currently flagged.
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