Via Ferrata Hoachwool

DESCRIPTION
Technical via ferrata that requires a good level of physical preparation.
Explore the magnificent Via Ferrata Hoachwool in the picturesque Val Venosta, near Naturno.
Located just 20 minutes from Merano, on the left side of the entrance to Val Senales and at the foot of the majestic Castel Juval, this via ferrata offers a compelling and challenging experience.
Opened in 2015, it has been carefully equipped even in the most difficult sections. The route offers technical challenges that require experience and good physical strength. A short stretch of the via ferrata follows the historical route of the irrigation system known as Hoachwool (in local dialect it means high canal), an approximately 10 km long canal that crossed the dizzying walls of the gorge at the mouth of the Rio Senales. Built between 1830 and 1833, this system is considered an extraordinary engineering feat in the history of irrigation ditch construction in Val Venosta.
Access to the via ferrata is very easy, starting from the car park at the Bottega dei Contadini in Naturno you can reach the start of the via ferrata in a few minutes.
In addition to the technical challenges, environmental ones must also be considered: the south-west exposure can make climbing hot and challenging during the summer months, so it is advisable to tackle it in less hot periods.
During the ascent, you can admire splendid views of the lower Val Senales, Val Venosta and the suggestive Castel Juval, home of the famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner.

ITINERARY
From the car park at the valley station of the Unterstell cable car in Naturns (536 m), follow the 10C trail sign to reach the Bottega del Contadino car park in a few minutes, the starting point of the Via Ferrata Hoachwool (550 m). Along the route, the aided sections begin early and soon you find yourself on the suspended bridge, made up of two ropes, which leads to the start of the via ferrata on the other side of the valley.
The beginning is characterized by a vertical climb, but not particularly difficult. Shortly after, a plaque warns: Are you still fit? From here on it's really challenging! HERE last chance to return. Then the hardest part begins. After the vertical, you veer left horizontally, briefly traveling along the Hoachwool, with its iron structures and wooden planks.
The climb becomes demanding, due to exposure and technical difficulty, until you reach a panoramic point (890 m), also equipped with a bench, which marks approximately half of the route. Shortly after, you come across the first crossroads, with two difficulty variants E/F or C/D. You opt for the C/D and, after passing vertical sections and a short ladder, you arrive at the second crossroads: variant C/D or D/E. This time we choose the more difficult D/E.
You first face a long staircase, then a vertical stretch with few handholds and finally continue on an equipped path to the end of the via ferrata (1135 m). The return takes place following paths 10 and 10B.

EXCURSION DATE
April 14, 2024

STARTING POINT
Valley station of the Unterstell cable car in Naturno

REFRESHMENT POINT
Restaurant Jausenstation zum Schwalbennest

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
In addition to the via ferrata kit, it is advisable to also use gloves.

SAFETY TIPS
The viability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain morphology, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. So, before leaving, consult the competent tourist offices and / or the refuges of reference.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative, that is, the route was carried out at best with the conditions of the trails and weather of that day. So always evaluate what to do on site.
Also remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, training and the equipment you have.
You should leave someone the route you intend to do told.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have the appropriate equipment: technical mountain clothing, boots with vibram sole or similar, via ferrata set, harness, helmet, via ferrata gloves, goggles, sunscreen, backpack with drinks.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 011 Merano e Dintorni

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/it/naturno/relax-attivita/vie-ferrate/via-ferrata-hoachwool.html

HOW TO ARRIVE
From Merano take the SS38 towards Passo di Resia. Once you arrive in Naturns, follow the signs for Funivia Unterstell.

PARKING AREA
Unterstell cable car parking in Naturns
GPS coordinates: 46.650570, 10.991396

Parcheggio Seggiovia Unterstell

Si segue il segnavia 10C

Partenza della Via Ferrata Hoachwool

Tratto attrezzato

Si passa un ponte

Bella placca con tratti verticali

Cartello d'avviso della difficolta

Tratto orrizzontale con canali irrigui

Tratto in verticale

Un momento di riposo in parete

Primo cartello che segnala le difficoltà

Abbiamo scelto il C/D

Secondo cartello che segnala le difficoltà

Abbiamo scelto il D/E

Termine della Via Ferrata