Galtür remains gripped by hiking fever: more than 1,500 participants set a new record for the 53rd Silvretta Ferwall March

With over 300 more participants than last year, four varied routes and almost perfect hiking conditions, the 53rd Silvretta Ferwall Marsch once again turned Galtür into a meeting place for hiking enthusiasts from near and far on Saturday.

At the 53rd edition on Saturday 22 August, more than 1,500 walkers set off through the stunning mountain scenery around Galtür. This once again significantly surpassed last year’s record number of participants: over 300 more walking enthusiasts than in 2025 took part this year.

Four routes and four different mountain experiences

The Silvretta Ferwall Marsch has been renowned for the variety of its routes for decades. This year, too, participants were able to choose between four routes – ranging from a family-friendly walking trip to a challenging marathon distance.

The marathon route covered 42.5 kilometres and 2,006 metres of elevation gain, running from Galtür via Wirl, Zeinisjoch and Verbella Alpe to the Heilbronner Hut. It continued over the 2,698-metre-high Grieskogeljoch to the Friedrichshafen Hut and back to Galtür via Tschafein, Larein Alpe and the Höhenweg.

The Ferwall route covered 30.4 kilometres and 1,589 metres of elevation gain. Starting in Galtür, it led via Wirl, Zeinisjoch and Verbella Alpe to the Heilbronner Hütte, then on via Grieskogeljoch and the Friedrichshafener Hütte, as well as over the Sonnenkogel and along the valley path back to the finish.

On the Silvretta route, covering 19.7 kilometres and 767 metres of elevation gain, the focus was on the stunning views. The route ran from Galtür via Wirl and the Zeinisjoch to the Breitspitze, along the dam to the summit cross and then back to the finish via the Alpkogelbahn.

The family route, at 14.6 kilometres and 150 metres of elevation gain, offered a more leisurely alternative. The route ran from Galtür to Wirl, up via the Alpkogelbahn cable car and over the Kopsstausee dam to the Zeinisjoch, before returning to Galtür. As the route was suitable for pushchairs, it allowed families with young children to enjoy a mountain adventure together.

A special family day back home: Anton Mattle from Galtür with his grandchildren

The Governor of Tyrol and Galtür native Anton Mattle was once again particularly proud to take part in the Silvretta Ferwall March himself this year. Together with his grandchildren, he tackled the family route and enjoyed a special day’s walking in his home region. Mattle has had close ties to this traditional event for many years: in earlier years, he himself was on course duty, helping to ensure the march ran smoothly. This made it all the more wonderful for him to experience the Silvretta Ferwall March alongside his grandchildren this time and to enjoy the special atmosphere along the route from a participant’s perspective.

This meant that the tried-and-tested format of the four different routes was retained, whilst the number of participants rose significantly once again. By way of comparison: in 2025, 1,204 walkers took part in the Silvretta Ferwall Marsch.

Participants from 17 countries and a strong team performance

Participants from a total of 17 countries took part in the Silvretta Ferwall Walk – including keen walkers from Mexico, the USA and Canada. The Hotel Alpina won the team competition with 112 participants.

The age range was also remarkable: Willi Klaminger, aged 85, was the oldest male participant, whilst Christa Cinatl, aged 86, was the oldest female participant. The youngest female participant was three-year-old Paula Parth, whilst Oskar Kathrein, aged 3 years, was the youngest male participant.

Safely and without incident to the finish line

As well as the new record for the number of participants, the smooth running of the event was particularly pleasing. Despite the large number of walkers, the entire walk went off safely and without incident. The participants reached the finish line safely and were able to look back on their personal achievements together.

Along the routes, the numerous volunteers and the refreshment stations ensured that the walkers were well looked after. After the physical challenges, the day continued in a convivial atmosphere. Live music created a great atmosphere in the finish area and provided the perfect setting to round off a successful day’s walking together.

Andreas Kathrein: “A strong endorsement of its great popularity”

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

The fact that we have once again set a new attendance record this year and welcomed over 300 more walkers than last year confirms the great popularity of the Silvretta Ferwall March. We are particularly pleased that the event went off safely and without incident, and that the weather provided almost ideal conditions. My heartfelt thanks go to all the volunteers, partners and sponsors, whose dedication has contributed significantly to this success. We are already looking forward to the next edition in 2027.”

It has been growing for decades – and is more popular than ever

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

Whether it was the 14.6-kilometre or 42.5-kilometre route, with the family, as a leisure hiker or an ambitious mountaineer: the various routes offered the perfect mountain experience for everyone. What united all the participants was a day spent hiking together amidst the stunning natural and mountainous scenery around Galtür.

Following a successful, safe and record-breaking 53rd edition, there is already great anticipation for the next hiking highlight: on 21 August 2027, it’ll be time to lace up your hiking boots once again and explore the mountains around Galtür together. Save the date!