Via Ferrata History
Via ferrata first appeared in Austria in the 1840s and was already used for tourism purposes. It later developed in Italy, in the Dolomites, at the beginning of the First World War (1914). At that time, the Italian vie ferrate had a strategic goal: to facilitate the movement of Italian alpine troops and military equipment. After the war, once they were no longer needed, these routes built along mountain walls were gradually repurposed for tourism.
Via ferrata only appeared in France in 1989! The first French via ferrata was installed in the Hautes-Alpes (in the south of France). Gradually, different regions developed routes adapted to various skill levels in order to broaden their tourist appeal. Today, via ferrata is no longer just a mountain itinerary, but a true adventure activity, designed for sporty or thrill-seeking tourists, thanks to the addition of nets, walkways, zip lines, monkey bridges, and other features that deliver strong sensations.
Currently, two distinct types of via ferrata can be found. On the one hand, there are routes that resemble climbing, designed to encourage close contact with the rock; on the other hand, there are more playful via ferratas, with installations that create a true adventure course for maximum thrills. These two approaches can also be combined, offering something for two different types of participants!
In Annecy, you can enjoy the via ferrata of La Roche du Roux in both a sporty and playful way: it’s an itinerary accessible to beginners and to children from the age of 12.
A via ferrata experience worth trying!