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Mittelrhein Via Ferrata Overview
Starting Point: Boppard Chairlift, Mühltal 12, Boppard
Parking: St. Remigiusplatz Parking Lot
Via Ferrata Set Rental: Aral Gas Station in the village
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 3.8 Miles
Child-Friendly: Yes
Marked Hiking Trail: Yes
Walk to the Via Ferrata: 10 minutes
Duration of the Route: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Hiking after the Route: 30 minutes
Restaurant: Yes, at the end of the route”
Boppard
This Boppard Mittelrhein via ferrata (ViaFerrata) is located in the village of Boppard in Germany. It’s an ideal route for beginner via ferrata climbers.
The mittelrhein viaferrata trail is easily manageable in a day, making it a perfect day trip!
If you prefer regular hiking, there’s also a hiking alternative available. It starts at the same point and intersects with various points of the via ferrata route. Even if you decide to transition to hiking while climbing, there are certain points where you can seamlessly switch to the hiking trail
How to get to Boppard?
By Car from Frankfurt
- Take the A3 towards Cologne/Koblenz.
- Take exit 41-Dieblich towards B416/Boppard.
- Follow B416 all the way to Boppard.
By Car from Koblenz
- Take the B9 towards Mainz/Bingen.
- Continue on B9 until you reach Boppard.
Using the Train
The train journey itself is a beautiful experience! Trains run regularly to Boppard from Mainz (from the south) and Koblenz (from the north).
From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the starting point of the via ferrata. If you are already in Germany, use the DB Bahn app to find the best train connections.
Renting Climbing Gear
If you’re new to Via Ferrata and don’t have climbing equipment, you can rent it at the Aral gas station in Boppard. This option is perfect for trying out a route without the immediate expense of purchasing expensive climbing gear. Please be aware that the gas station only accepts cash for equipment rental. By providing your address details, covering the costs, and paying the deposit, you’ll be all set to start your climbing adventure.
Parking
Once you arrive at the designated parking area (St. Remigiusplatz Parking Lot in Boppard), you can park for free opposite the restaurant (availability depends on the arrival day). If this parking lot is full, you can continue further under the tunnel to larger parking areas. Here, a parking ticket typically costs around €3 for the entire day.
Before Starting the Route:
Before embarking on your climb, it’s advisable to purchase a one-way ticket for the chairlift at the Sesselbahn station. The endpoint on the mountain is near the ‘Gedeonseck’ restaurant, so you won’t need to descend on foot after completing the route. After a walk and some rest at the restaurant at the endpoint, the descent can be challenging! For current prices, please check the Boppard Sesselbahn website.
Sesselbahn Boppard
Taking the Sesselbahn (chairlift) is highly recommended! During the descent, you can enjoy the tranquility while admiring the views of the hills and the Rhine River.
It’s a magnificent experience; everything appears miniature!
From the top, you can see cars, boats, trains, and, with a bit of luck, paragliders!
Mittelhein Via Ferrata
The Mittelrhein Viaferrata begins to the right of the chairlift and is marked with a sign that reads ‘klettersteig’ (via ferrata). This ViaFerrata is well-maintained and suitable for children. Climb safely and always wear a climbing harness with a helmet! The path is marked with signs, usually found on trees along the route. While walking, you’ll have a view of the Rhine, and there are plenty of resting points and benches between obstacles. On busier days, these spots fill up quickly. Between the obstacles, there are sections where you can simply walk as on a regular hiking trail.
Don’t forget to savor the breathtaking view..
At a certain point, you’ll reach a high rock. This is the final part of the route, consisting of two sections. The first part leads to an intermediate section, from where you can climb further up the rock. Once you pass this point, you’ll reach a beautiful viewpoint with a reclining bench and a picnic table. Here, you can remove your via ferrata set, and the route continues as a hiking trail. the second section of the route is indicated by hiking trail signs.
Obstacles
Throughout the entire route, various obstacles are present. There are no points that require climbing experience, making the route suitable for children and beginners and the entire route is equipped with an iron cable where you can safely attach your climbing harness. On this via ferrata, you’ll encounter iron staples in the rock and several ladders. Sometimes you climb the ladder downwards and sometimes upwards. The length of each obstacle varies. There are also sections where you can look down for that extra bit of adrenaline!
Towards the end of the route, you’ll reach the final obstacle, which is the rock wall. It ascends and has a flat section in the middle for resting.
This wall is fully equipped with iron staples and, in some places, narrower variants to add excitement.
End of the route at Restaurant Gedeonseck
After the via ferrata, the route continues briefly as a hiking trail. The hiking trail ends at the restaurant ‘Gedeonseck,’ where you can indulge in a well-deserved delicious German meal and a drink with a splendid view of the Rhine!
Check out the complete overview of Via Ferrata trails here.
Boppard Via Ferrata Video
As always, I’ve also created a brief summary of this via ferrata in a video. If you happen to be here, it would be great if you could tag me in a video!
