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More than 300 additional participants compared with the previous year, four varied routes and almost perfect hiking conditions: on Saturday, the 53rd Silvretta Ferwall March once again turned Galtür into a meeting place for hiking enthusiasts from near and far.

At the 53rd edition on Saturday, 22 August, more than 1,500 hikers set off through the impressive mountain landscape surrounding Galtür. This significantly surpassed the previous year’s participation record, with more than 300 additional hiking enthusiasts taking part compared with 2025.

Four Routes and Four Distinct Mountain Experiences

The variety of routes has been one of the defining features of the Silvretta Ferwall March for decades. This year, participants could once again choose between four routes, ranging from a family-friendly hike to a demanding marathon-distance challenge.

The marathon route covered 42.5 kilometres and 2,006 metres of elevation gain, leading from Galtür via Wirl, Zeinisjoch and Verbella Alpe to the Heilbronner Hütte. From there, the route continued over the 2,698-metre-high Grieskogeljoch to the Friedrichshafener Hütte before returning to Galtür via Tschafein, Larein Alpe and the high-altitude trail.

The Ferwall route covered 30.4 kilometres and 1,589 metres of elevation gain. From Galtür, it led via Wirl, Zeinisjoch and Verbella Alpe to the Heilbronner Hütte, then continued over Grieskogeljoch and the Friedrichshafener Hütte before returning to the finish via Sonnenkogel and the valley trail.

The 19.7-kilometre Silvretta route, with 767 metres of elevation gain, focused on impressive panoramic views. The route led from Galtür via Wirl and Zeinisjoch to Breitspitze, continued along the dam wall to the summit cross and then returned to the finish via the Alpkogelbahn cable car.

The family route offered a more relaxed alternative, covering 14.6 kilometres and 150 metres of elevation gain. From Galtür, participants headed to Wirl, took the Alpkogelbahn cable car uphill and continued via the Kops reservoir dam to Zeinisjoch before returning to Galtür. The pushchair-friendly route also allowed families with young children to enjoy a shared mountain experience.

A Special Family Day at Home: Galtür Native Anton Mattle Takes Part with His Grandchildren

Tyrol’s Governor and Galtür native Anton Mattle once again took part in the Silvretta Ferwall March this year. Together with his grandchildren, he completed the family route and enjoyed a special day of hiking in his home region. Mattle has been closely connected with the long-standing event for many years. In the past, he himself worked as part of the route support team, helping to ensure the smooth running of the march. This made it all the more special for him to experience the Silvretta Ferwall March together with his grandchildren this time and to enjoy the unique atmosphere along the route from a participant’s perspective.

The proven concept of four different routes was therefore retained, while participation once again increased significantly. By comparison, 1,204 hikers took part in the Silvretta Ferwall March in 2025.

Participants from 17 Nations and a Strong Team Competition

Participants from a total of 17 nations took part in the Silvretta Ferwall March, including hiking enthusiasts from Mexico, the USA and Canada. The team competition was won by Hotel Alpina with 112 participants.

The age range was equally remarkable: Willi Klaminger, aged 85, was the oldest male participant, while Christa Cinatl, aged 86, was the oldest female participant. The youngest female participant was three-year-old Paula Parth, while Oskar Kathrein, also aged three, was the youngest male participant.

Safe and Incident-Free to the Finish

Alongside the new participation record, the smooth running of the event was particularly pleasing. Despite the large number of hikers, the entire march was completed safely and without incident. Participants reached the finish safely and were able to look back together on their individual achievements.

Along the routes, numerous volunteers and refreshment stations ensured that hikers were well looked after throughout the day. After the sporting challenges, the event continued in a sociable atmosphere. Live music created a lively mood in the finish area and provided the perfect setting in which to round off a successful day of hiking together.

Andreas Kathrein: “A Strong Confirmation of the Event’s Great Popularity”

For Andreas Kathrein, Chairman of SC Silvretta Galtür and organiser of the Silvretta Ferwall March, the latest record confirms the event’s strong standing:

“The fact that we have once again achieved a new participation record this year and welcomed more than 300 additional hikers compared with last year confirms the great popularity of the Silvretta Ferwall March. We are especially pleased that the event took place safely and without incident and that the weather provided almost ideal conditions. My sincere thanks go to all the volunteers, partners and sponsors whose commitment makes a vital contribution to the success of the event. We are already looking forward to the next edition in 2027.”

Growing for Decades – and More Popular Than Ever

For more than five decades, the Silvretta Ferwall March has combined sporting challenge with nature, mountain experiences and a strong sense of community. The fact that participation has risen significantly once again following the record year of 2025 demonstrates the event’s enduring appeal far beyond the region.

Whether over 14.6 or 42.5 kilometres, with the family, as a leisure hiker or as an ambitious mountain athlete, the different routes offered a suitable mountain experience for everyone. What united all participants was a shared day of hiking amid the impressive natural and mountain scenery surrounding Galtür.

Following a successful, safe and record-breaking 53rd edition, anticipation is already building for the next hiking highlight. On 21 August 2027, it will once again be time to lace up your hiking boots and experience the mountains around Galtür together. Save the date!