Via ferrata Planpraz, Leysin

🗺️ Overview

• Starting point: Feydey (1400 m), above Leysin
• Highest point: Approx. 1550 m
• Total elevation gain: ~150 m
• Total distance: ~4 km
• Total time: ~2 h
• Technical difficulty: K5 (very athletic via ferrata)

Download GPS file

The via ferrata Planpraz is probably the closest to a village I’ve ever done. It is located just above Leysin. To get there, we left the car in Feydey (1400 m), which can also be reached by train.

From there you continue uphill on the road. Where it bends, you can go both ways: on the left around the church or on the right via a shortcut uphill (see GPS).

In about 10 minutes, signs indicate a path on the left side of the road. It is the same path leading to La Berneuse at the beginning, but after a couple of minutes you reach a crossroads where the path to La Berneuse goes left and the via ferrata, clearly marked, continues straight uphill. Another 5–10 minutes on a rather steep path lead to the start of the via ferrata. 

The via runs mostly about 10 to 20 meters above the ground with the forest behind it, so it never feels excessively aerial. On the other hand, it definitely requires strength. The via is graded K5 and divided into 3 sections, with an exit possible after each one. The first section is the most difficult, while the other two are slightly easier at K5-. The central part is the easiest overall. More info can be found on the CAS webpage at this link.

The via starts immediately with a strong overhanging section. If it is not for you, you’ll understand right away and still have the opportunity to go back. After the first overhang there is also a small rope bridge followed by a second overhanging section, although less difficult than the first. After this section the via descends smoothly and you can reach the ground.

The second part starts with a vertical section that is not too difficult, followed by an easier traverse ending in a secured hike through the forest. When it exits the forest, the route continues on a rock ledge and, in the distance, you can see two bridges hanging from a tree. This is definitely one of the most peculiar sections of the route.

After the bridges there is another short vertical passage and, behind the rock, you reach the second escape route. This time the ground is farther below and you descend via a super steep wooden ladder.

The last part is short but physical. It starts on a short rock ledge leading to an iron ladder that you have to climb from the inside. It feels very airy as you face outward while climbing. Almost immediately after the ladder ends, another overhanging section begins ( less difficult than the start, but by then you are already tired ) followed by a bridge and a second overhanging passage.

Finally, a longer iron ladder brings you back down to the ground.

The return follows a path at the foot of the via ferrata and then the same route back as the approach. Overall, it takes about 40 minutes to reach the via ferrata and return, plus around 1h20 to complete it, so roughly 2 hours in total for relatively little elevation gain.

If you still have energy afterwards, plenty of hikes can be added. For example, you can continue to La Berneuse (1h30–2h) with its famous revolving restaurant. Or simply go to Le Temeley (about 40 min), an alpine farm halfway to La Berneuse serving traditional Swiss dishes.