Difficulty
K4
Very difficult via ferrata
K4
Car-free possible
Gabi (Simplon), VS
Klettersteig Gabi Simplon
This K4 via ferrata climbs a 250-metre, east-facing wall directly above the Gabi road tunnel near Simplon, just south of the pass.
Image: AT Verlag
Current status
Confirmed open
The latest source indicates this route is open
Checked 2 h ago
Total time
2 h 35 min
Approach + via ferrata + descent
Route description Read more Show less This K4 via ferrata climbs a 250-metre, east-facing wall directly above the Gabi road tunnel near Simplon, just south of the pass. Builders installed over 700 iron rungs and bars, making the climbing safe though strenuous on the arms, especially near the top. An optional three-cable bridge crossing adds a playful start for those seeking extra challenge.
This K4 via ferrata climbs a 250-metre, east-facing wall directly above the Gabi road tunnel near Simplon, just south of the pass. Builders installed over 700 iron rungs and bars, making the climbing safe though strenuous on the arms, especially near the top. An optional three-cable bridge crossing adds a playful start for those seeking extra challenge.
Route map
Download GPXZoomable 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.
Annotated route info/map available from sac-cas.ch.
Approach / VF / Descent
Segment timings and vertical stats from the current VFOS dataset.
Total: 2 h 35 min
Approach
Access- Duration
- 5 min
- Distance
- 258 m
- Ascent
- -
- Descent
- -
- Elevation
- -
From the Gabi, Simplon bus stop, walk 260 metres down the road to the tunnel entrance, then follow a signposted path branching off to descend toward the Doveria riverbed, where the via ferrata begins.
Via ferrata
K4- Duration
- 2 h
- Distance
- 282 m
- Ascent
- 210 m
- Descent
- -
- Elevation
- 1,327 m
Start either at the foot of the wall or by crossing the optional three-cable bridge to the right. Climb tiered rock with easy moves to reach a clear ledge on the lower face, then follow it rightward until cables resume upward. Artificial rungs assist over the next 50 metres of steep terrain to another ledge; traverse right to face the final near-vertical wall. Ascend this section step by step past a Swiss flag, finishing via rocky slabs to the via ferrata's exit.
Descent
Exit- Duration
- 30 min
- Distance
- 1.1 km
- Ascent
- 10 m
- Descent
- 200 m
- Elevation
- -
From the exit, a faint trail leads left to a hairpin on the Bleikuwald road (1427 m). Follow the road briefly downhill, then take the marked hiking path on the left descending through open larch woods back to Gabi.
- Total duration
- 2 h 35 min
- Total distance
- 579 m
- Total ascent
- 210 m
- Total descent
- -
Escape points
No escape point details are recorded yet.
Opening season
Typical published season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Live status source; no fixed annual season was published.
Transport
Plan around the trailhead, parking, and public transport links.
Last lift down
Check operator
Route feel
VFOS editorial ratings on a 1-5 scale.
Variety
How much the route changes in movement and terrain.
- -
Complexity
Route-finding and technical problem-solving beyond pure grade.
- -
Beauty
Scenery, setting, and overall aesthetic quality.
- -
Exposure
Airiness and exposure independent of technical difficulty.
- -
Sustained effort
How continuous or relentless the physical effort feels.
- -
Crux tags
No crux tags are recorded yet.
SAC-CAS route profile
Source ratings on the SAC-CAS 1-4 scale.
- Mountain experience
- 1/4
- Power
- 2/4
- Endurance
- 2/4
- Psyche
- 3/4
Photos
3 source photos
Safety notes
Check current local information before setting off.
Emergency
In Switzerland, call Rega on 1414 for mountain rescue. European emergency number: 112.
Mobile signal
Cell coverage can be patchy in gorges, valleys, and behind ridges. Download route notes and tell someone your plan.
Storms
This route is flagged as exposed or high-grade; avoid thunderstorms, wet cables, and fast-changing alpine weather.
Sources & data Attribution, source priority, and field-review status for this route.
Referenced sources
- Opening season · Brig Simplon TourismusOfficial
https://www.brig-simplon.ch/tour/klettersteig-gabi
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Opening-season source retained for status provenance.
- SAC-CAS approachOfficial
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/bleikuwald-7798/berg-und-alpinwandern/zustieg-klettersteig-gabi-simplon-986/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
- SAC-CAS returnOfficial
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/bleikuwald-7798/berg-und-alpinwandern/abstieg-klettersteig-gabi-simplon-987/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
- SAC-CAS via ferrataOfficial
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/bleikuwald-7798/klettersteig/klettersteig-gabi-simplon-726/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
Field review
No contested fields are currently flagged.
At a glance
- Location
- Gabi (Simplon), VS
- Elevation range
- 1,327 m
- Car-free possible
- Yes
Weather