Ascent

The 550-metre ascent, which is perfectly secured with 1000 metres of steel rope, has medium difficulty levels (A – B – B/C). For the ascent of the via ferrata, an early start and a good overall condition are basic requirements. There is no water and no escape routes along the ascent. A possible retreat is only possible downwards. The via ferrata is completely secured with steel ropes, there are no passages that have to be mastered in free climbing or in unsecured terrain. Many steep and difficult sections have been defused by means of step aids. Nevertheless, the last part of the via ferrata, the so-called Engelskante, is a very impressive rock passage. The orientation of the ascent to the southwest allows for a very early ascent of the via ferrata. The climbing season lasts well into late autumn. For the experienced mountaineers, the Heini Holzer via ferrata will also be passable during many winter months. (Time required: 3-4 hours)

Access

• Meran – Naiftal. Ascend with the cable railway Meran 2000 to the top station, which can also be reached from Hafling – Falzeben with the gondola lift. Follow the wide road for a short distance to the junction with the sign for the via ferrata. Then turn left on the trail no. 18 (Ifinger Schartlweg – partially secured with steel rope). Proceed past two turnoffs to the signposted branch-off to the start, just below the easily recognizable platform (rope-up area).(130 m ascent, 75 m descent, ¾-1 hour)
• Schenna – Taser cable car valley station. Ascend with the car. Proceed via the signs for the Ifinger Hut to the Ifinger notch and from there follow the Ifinger Schartlweg no. 18 (partially secured with steel rope) to the marked branch-off below the platform. (700 m ascent, 200 m descent, 2½-3 hours)
• Gsteier (middle station of the cable railway Meran 2000 – a short ascent to Gsteier). Follow the route no. 3 to the Ochsenboden. Continue to the Ifinger Schartlweg (no. 18 – partly secured with steel rope). From there turn left to the signposted branch-off to the start, just below the easily recognizable platform.(850 m ascent, 3-3½ hours)

Descent

After leaving the via ferrata, follow the signs to the junction for Piccolo Ivigna (2552 m) and Picco Ivigna (2581 m). From this point, the descent to the clearly visible Kuhleiten Hut begins. If you are late or do not want to stop at the hut, you can follow a path to the right just before Kuhleiten, which winds its way along the grassy flank, down to the wide gravel road and back to the starting point. (500 m altitude difference in descent, 1-1½ hours)