7 breathtaking via ferrata routes in Andorra

From the longest and most demanding via ferrata “Roc d’Esquers,” to the easy and fun “Cortals de l’Aspra”, there isn’t a shortage of via ferrata options in Andorra.

The country has 16 routes, which vary in difficulty and length. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or an advanced mountaineer; you’ll find something that fits your skill level!

The routes are equipped with ladders, iron pitons, suspended bridges and cables securely attached to the rock face, ensuring your safety as you conquer routes that were once the domain of experienced climbers. The reward? Unforgettable views of lush forests, mountain villages and rocky peaks.

In this guide, we will be sharing with you our favourite ones, all of which we have personally done. Ready for the high-altitude thrill?

7 amazing via ferrata routes to try in Andorra

Via ferrata Roc del Quer (La Directíssima)

📍 Location: Canillo
🟠 Grade: K3
🥾 Access time: 2 min
🕟 Via ferrata duration: 1 h 30 min
🚶 Return time: 45 min
🗺️ Wikiloc track

The thrilling via ferrata Roc del Quer is probably the most famous via ferrata in Andorra. It’s a dramatic vertical ascent with constant exposure and excellent views of the village of Canillo.

But what makes this via ferrata truly special is where it ends: the famous Roc del Quer lookout. Yes, it’s the straightest and most direct way to reach this popular lookout. Most people get there by car and then walk for 5 minutes, but isn’t it much more exciting to get there climbing?!

It’s important to note that there are no escape routes in this via ferrata. There aren’t any bridges either, but it’s still a super enjoyable experience. With climbing holds and a significant level of exposure, it’s a unique adventure. Roc del Quer is best enjoyed during spring and autumn mornings or summer afternoons.

The easiest way to get to the starting point of this via ferrata is by car. There is a small car park 2 minutes’ walk from the start (be careful when crossing the road!). If you don’t have a car, you can also get to Canillo by bus and walk to the starting point (10 min).

Bony d’Envalira

📍 Location: Grau Roig
🟠 Grade: K3
🥾 Access time: 1 h
🕟 Via ferrata duration: 1 h 30 min
🚶 Return time: 1 h
🗺️ Wikiloc track

No “best of” list would be complete without the via ferrata Bony d’Envalira, a truly alpine via ferrata experience and one of our favourites in Andorra.

For starters, the route relies heavily on natural hand and footholds in the rock, which makes for a more true climbing experience.

During the whole route, the views of the surrounding peaks are incredible. However, the real showstopper is the 360º panorama that awaits you at the Bony d’Envalira, perched at 2.685 m.

The hike to the beginning of the via ferrata starts in Grau Roig’s parking lot, and it’s long and steep. You have to ascend 350 m of elevation through rocky terrain, and it’s easy to get lost. So, we recommend using Wikiloc or downloading the route’s GPX file and using your preferred navigation app.

The reward for your hard work is almost no other climbers and truly some of the best views we’ve had in a via ferrata in Andorra!

The easiest way to get to the starting point of this via ferrata is by car, but if you don’t have one, you can also take the L4 bus (stop at Túnel d’Envalira) and walk to the starting point (20 min).

Clots de L’Aspra

📍 Location: Cortals d’Encamp
🟢 Grade: K1/K2
🥾 Access time: 20 min
🕟 Via ferrata duration: 1 h
🚶 Return time: 15 min
🗺️ Wikiloc track

The via ferrata Clots de l’Aspra is short, easy, and fun. It has two parts, the second slightly more difficult than the first but still ideal for beginners. We’ve taken several friends and family members there who had never done a via ferrata before, and they loved it!

Moreover, there is an exit from the via ferrata between its two sections, just in case anyone has had enough.

Equipped with two bridges and some vertical sections, there is no time to get bored in this via ferrata. Moreover, the views are beautiful as it is located in a pine forest at 2000 m of altitude.

The only way to get to the starting point is by car. There is no parking lot per se, but you can park the car at this point, where you’ll see a climbing wall. Then, take one of the visible paths at the bottom of the climbing wall area and head towards the river. And surprise! You’ll need to cross a big Tibetan bridge to the other side of the river. Once there, it’s around 10 min to get to the via ferrata’s start.

Via ferrata Roc d’Esquers

📍 Location: Escaldes
🟠 Grade: K3
🥾 Access time: 15 min
🕟 Via ferrata duration: 2 h
🚶 Return time: 1 h 30 min
🗺️ Wikiloc track

The via ferrata Roc d’Esquers is, without question, one of the most spectacular via ferrata routes in Andorra. It’s the longest one in the country and the views are superb.

This moderate route requires a good physical shape, mainly because of the duration (around 4 hours). During that time, you’ll get to discover the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley Natural Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Along the via ferrata, you’ll cross a suspension bridge, enjoy incredible views of Escaldes and Andorra La Vella, and climb smooth walls with the aid of iron chains.

But the adventure doesn’t end with the via ferrata! The return hike takes you uphill to Coll Jovell (1.780 m) before a scenic descent back to the starting point. Along the way, you’ll follow the Madrid River, traverse stone paths, and pass by charming shepherds’ huts. So, Rod c’Esquers is perfect for those who want to combine a via ferrata with a hike.

The easiest way to get to the starting point of this via ferrata is by car, but you can also get there by using the EE bus.

Via ferrata Roc de Coma d’Erts

📍 Location: Erts
🟠 Level: K2/K3
🥾 Access time: 20 min
🕟 Via ferrata duration: 1 h 45 min
🚶 Return time: 30 min
🗺️ Wikiloc track

The via ferrata Roc de la Coma d’Erts has two clearly differentiated parts. The first one starts with a vertical stretch, allowing you to leave the forest and enjoy the ample views over Erts, and then makes its way up sideways to the left.

At the end of the route, it’s where things get exciting: two exposed and slightly athletic stretches.

To sum up, this is a fun ferrata in a beautiful landscape with very worthy final stretches.

If you want to skip the difficult part, there is an escape at the end of the K2 section. You just have to follow the sign escapatòria fàcil.

The easiest way to get to the starting point of this via ferrata is by car, but if you don’t have one, you can also take the L4 bus (stop at Túnel d’Envalira) and walk to the starting point (20 min).

Via ferrata Creu del Noral

📍 Location: Ordino
🟢 Grade: K2
🥾 Access time: 15 min
🕟 Via ferrata duration: 1 h
🚶 Return time: 15 min
🗺️ Wikiloc track

Creu del Noral is ideal for kids, beginners, and anyone who wants an easy via ferrata with beautiful views. The route is located in a pine forest, and the views of the Ordino Valley are amazing. Also, the 15-minute return to Ordino is a short but sweet one!

So, if you’re new to via ferrata, it may be wise to begin here.

The route’s start is quite impressive, as it begins in a canyon. There are two via ferrata there, and Creu del Noral is the one on the left. 

If you get to the starting point by car, we recommend parking in this small car park. If it’s full, you can park in Ordino and walk to the starting point. You can also reach Ordino by bus if you don’t have a car.

Via ferrata Sant Vicenç d’Enclar

📍 Location: Andorra La Vella
🟠 Grade: K3
🥾 Access time: 15 min
🕟 Via ferrata duration: 1 h
🚶 Return time: 25 min
🗺️ Wikiloc track

A perfect excuse for cultural tourism around Andorra is to visit the Sant Vicenç d’Enclar chapel, which happens to be accessible thanks to a challenging but well-equipped ferrata!

This beautiful and exciting itinerary takes place in a holm oak forest surrounded by cliffs. It has sections of varying difficulty, and as you conquer each challenge, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Santa Coloma and the breathtaking surrounding mountains.

And what better way to end the route than in a 9th-century chapel? Sant Vicenç d’Enclar is a small but really cute chapel, one of the oldest in the country.

Once you finish admiring the chapel, the way back starts behind it and descends along the shady part of the mountain. It’s a very pleasant hike.

One of the key advantages of this via ferrata is its strategic location near Andorra La Vella. So, if you’re staying in the capital and craving a short but exciting adventure, this is the perfect option for you.

Things to take into account before climbing a via ferrata in Andorra

💰 The entrance to all the via ferrata routes in Andorra is free.

🆘 In case of an emergency on the mountain, dial 112.

🪖 Always wear a helmet. You never know when rocks will fall from above.

🌞 Check the weather. Via ferrata routes get very slippery when wet, so doing them in the rain is not recommended. If a storm is forecast, definitely stay at home! All that metal on top of the mountain is prone to lightning strikes.

🧗 Leave enough space between you and the next climber so that if you slip, you don’t take out the person below you.

🗓️ Via ferrata season in Andorra usually begins in mid-May and ends in early October, depending on snow conditions.

🔚 All the via ferrata in Andorra can only be done in a specific direction, so always make sure you’re actually starting at the starting point (which is clearly indicated with a panel at the start of each route).

Via ferrata rating system in Andorra

There is no standardised system regarding via ferrata at the Andorran level, but the most used one is the Hüsler Scale. According to this rating system, via ferrata can have six levels of difficulty, denoted from K1 to K6.

We could group these degrees of difficulty into beginner (K1 and K2), intermediate (K3 and K4) and advanced (K5 and K6).

Gear list for climbing a via ferrata in Andorra

To tackle a via ferrata, you need the following gear:

• Via ferrata climbing set: Helmet, harness, two carabiners, and a lanyard
• Comfortable footwear: Sneakers, trail running or hiking shoes that are not slippery
• Gloves (optional): To protect your hands from the steel cables
• Charged mobile phone: In case you need to look for directions or call for help
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: There’s rarely shade on the side of a mountain and Andorra is a sunny country

Via ferrata works like this: you wear a harness with a lanyard, which has two carabiners. You attach these to the cable, always keeping at least one latched on, and start going up! There are no ropes to lug around, no elaborate knots to master and no fiddly anchors to fasten to the rock.

The cable won’t stop you from falling, but it will stop you from falling too far, and it has a shock absorber built in. 

That is not to say there are no risks and never any accidents. If you have any doubts about your ability, it’s wise to book a guide who will assess your competence and fitness and help you complete the route safely.

Renting the via ferrata equipment in Andorra

Most towns in Andorra have outdoor rental shops where you can rent gear. Look for anything that says lloguer because this means “rental” in Catalan.

A via ferrata lanyard, helmet, and harness can be rented for approximately 15€ per day. Some places where we’ve rented via ferrata gear are Esports Sensació (in La Massana) and Esports Roc Vertical (in Canillo).

Planning on tackling multiple via ferratas or taking up via ferrata climbing as a hobby? Then, it might be more cost-efficient to buy your own gear. The whole via ferrata kit will set you back around 200€. 

And that’s a wrap! We hope this post has gotten you excited for your next via ferrata adventure in Andorra. If you’re planning a summer trip to Andorra, check out our guide “All you need to know to plan your Andorra summer trip“.

Oh, and whenever you tackle any of the routes mentioned above, let us know your experience!