Barbara and I visited the Jochpass area a few months ago intending to climb the Graustock Klettersteig (via ferrata Graustock). Alas, the peak was covered under a blanket of fog, and we went for a great walk down the valley instead!
Despite the bank of cloud that was boiling up along the eastern flank of Graustock and the occasional tongue of mist that flicked across our path, we ate our lunch on top of Graustock in perfect sunshine with perfect views in all directions.
The climb starts from the Jochpass cable station, which you can reach on foot or by catching a ride on a chairlift from Trübsee. The climbing ahead of us was going to be strenuous enough. So we did it the easy way. We took the chairlift. After a coffee and a Nussgipfel at Berghaus Jochpass we set off. The via ferrata follows the eastern ridge in a northerly direction as far as Schafberg, then turns westwards to eventually reach the summit of Graustock. The climbing sections are protected with cables, and where desperately necessary, metal hand- and footholds are provided.
Having been here a few months earlier, we were aware that this was a ‘difficult’ via ferrata. In the C/D category. Still, we were more than pleasantly surprised just how steep and strenuous the upper vertical wall was. And certainly much more so than we had had in mind. Being held up by someone who examined every hold and tiptoed across them did not make this steep section any easier. But we did eventually get to the top. By which time a number of other people had caught up to us and were waiting below us. Sometimes in very awkward hanging positions. The mountains belong to all of us. But sometimes I really wish that people who do not have the necessary experience are not dragged along by their enthusiastic and experienced friends. Their experienced friends should know better. They should understand that their inexperienced friend may be the cause of an accident, when people who are held up behind them tire while hanging around in difficult vertical sections. Physical fatigue (and even mental in some cases) caused by hanging on in awkward off-balance stances may result in the climber not having sufficient strength to negotiate the difficult sections, and lead to an incident. Teach your friends on easier climbs, and once they’ve gained experience and confidence let them loose on the harder climbs. When Barbara and I saw what was going on in front of us, we slowed, and took up stances where we could stand with relative comfort, without straining muscles which we’d need on the strenuous vertical section.
Despite the hold-up and the surprisingly difficult section, we made it to the top, and had a very pleasant lunch (fresh bread from the baker at the station filled with freshly mashed avocado, banana and Grana Padano cheese), in a perfect little spot away from the large gang that we had caught up overlooking great views across the valley and mountains beyond. Then it was time to return…
We got stuck behind the slow climber from earlier on our way down. Until their group took a wrong turn, and we were able to get ahead of them… well, most of them at any rate. A few of the front ones were obviously in a hurry and came racing past us a little while later. But they eventually had to stop and wait for the stragglers, and we did not see them again until we were enjoying our Radlers and Schorles (mixture of apple juice and sparkling water or lemonade) at the Berghaus… just reward after another great mountain day!
Cloud boiling up along the eastern flank 
One of the many airy cabled sections. View down the valley The steep vertical section On the steep vertical section Nearly at a safe stance All smiles – the hard bit done Above the clouds The exposed ridge on the eastern flank The views… Graustock coloured pink in the afternoon sun The valley below
Via ferrata Graustock. How to get here, topo, etc…
The Titlis Tourism website provides a great description and topo of via ferrata Graustock’s route.
Another great post with stunning pics! Very special, thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it, Pete!