Ferrata Lampskopf

Overview

High in the Val di Fleres, on the border with Austria, lies the Via Ferrata Lampskopf, a route that climbs the southern slopes of the peak that gives it its name. Technically straightforward and suitable for beginners, it stands out for its considerable overall length, which means it should only be tackled in stable weather and with good physical fitness. The route unfolds in a remote and strikingly beautiful alpine setting, where the isolation heightens the sense of adventure.

Approach

The route starts in Fleres di Dentro (Innerpflersch), in South Tyrol. To reach the Val di Fleres (Pflerschtal), take the Brenner Motorway exit at Vipiteno (Sterzing), head up toward Colle Isarco (Gossensass), then continue west through Valmignia (Mignia Valley) to the starting village. After passing a large parking area on the left side of the road, take the left fork at the next junction, going past the ERL parking lot. Continue for a few minutes on asphalt to a spacious parking area on the right.

The route continues along a dirt road. After a few minutes, at the first junction, cross the stream keeping right, where the first signs for the Via Ferrata al Tribulaun appear. You advance on an easy trail that alternates between wooded sections and grassy clearings, in a pleasant, gradual landscape. About one kilometer from the parking lot, you reach a junction where you keep right, following the signs for the via ferrata. The trail now enters the forest, marked by clear red waymarks, with increasing gradient but no technical difficulty. In about an hour of walking, you reach the start of the steel cable.

Via Ferrata

The first section consists of a series of short, easy rock steps, connected by stretches that are sometimes cabled and sometimes free, in an open, sunny alpine environment. This initial part is pleasant and progressive, not requiring continuous use of the cable. After about twenty minutes, a slight descent leads to a long cabled traverse, easy and often morphologically similar to a grassy ledge. This section presents no substantial difficulties, except in wet or damp conditions, which call for extra caution. You proceed for about fifteen minutes along this ledge/traverse, with a couple of passages that demand attention (one descending), while enjoying sweeping views over the Val di Fleres below.

The route continues beneath dark rock walls until the cable begins to climb. You ascend a few meters, traverse right, climb vertically again, and after a short ramp, return to a ledge that has now become rocky. With modest ups and downs, you reach a metal ladder about fifteen meters long, which presents no difficulty. After the ladder, you round a corner and climb up a slab, overcoming a few easy rock steps until the end of the cabled section.

Leaving the forest, you walk across meadows with the Tribulaun ahead. After a few minutes, you reach the final section of the ferrata, characterized by an easy traverse, a slab leading to a corner to be rounded, and finally a climb up some rock steps. From here, you descend toward a saddle where trail 7 from S. Antonio and trail 32/A from the Alta Via di Fleres meet. Continue left across the scree until the junction with trail no. 8 (which will be the descent route), then ascend to the Rifugio Calciati (2368 m), reachable in about 2h 30' from the start of the ferrata (about 3h 30' total).

Descent

For the return, retrace your steps to the last junction (2286 m). Although other options exist, it is recommended to follow trail 8. At the junction, keep right, cutting diagonally across the valley and passing under a cableway. Stay on trail 8 in constant descent until a junction with trail 6, where you again keep right. Cutting through the forest without excessive gradient, you return to the junction encountered on the approach and from there to the parking lot (descent elevation loss about 1200 m, about 2h from the refuge, for a total of about 5h 30').

Useful Notes

The Via Ferrata Lampskopf is overall easy, with no technically demanding passages. However, it is long and takes place in a beautiful but isolated environment, which is little frequented. The part requiring the most attention is the section from the saddle to the Rifugio Calciati, which crosses a snowfield often present even late in the season. From the refuge, interesting hikes depart toward the border and the granite peaks of the Rhaetian Alps.

It is important to note that in 2019, the route was affected by falling trees and was closed. It is therefore advisable to check in advance with the Rifugio Calciati regarding the route's condition and any closures.