This almost 1.7km long via ferrata route runs through the rugged landscape of Čikola Canyon.
Summary
Grade: B/C
Vertical: 180m ferrata, 450m total
Time: 20min approach, 1h ferrata, 40min descent, 2h total
Access / Parking: 43.8409,16.0447 – Google Maps or any Android maps app
Start via ferrata: 43.8410,16.0551 – Mapy.cz or any Android maps app
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Map and photos
Access
Parking coordinates are on the side of road 6078, close to the start.
Approach to start
From the parking area, we follow the footpath to the first viewpoint, continue past the long ziplines across the canyon, which are not part of the route, and arrive at the second viewpoint.
At the second viewpoint, do not follow the path that descends directly into the canyon, as it leads to rock climbing walls. Instead, turn 180 degrees and proceed north, then keep right and begin descending into the canyon.
The route
The route is secured right from the entrance, but after that, we come across easy, unsecured passages as well. The entire path is marked with red and white dots. As we approach the water, the experience becomes even more exciting with the addition of artificial steps that guide us upward once more.
Depending on the time of year, the riverbed can be dry or flowing with turquoise water.
Descent
After the via ferrata cable ends, we follow the path above the canyon until we return to the starting point. Although this footpath is not continuously marked, it should not present any orientation problems.
Good to know
- It can become quite hot inside the canyon, during the Summer months, so bring enough water.
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Video
Weather
Main sources
- bergsteigen.com (German)
- we climbed the route on June 8, 2019
Route to beginning and the exact start point should be marked better as there are many paths down after lookouts. On the way some markings were on loose rocks, uncertain if they were were they should be. Return path was well marked at the beginning then I lost it and could not found it, returned backtracking. Riverbed was almost dry but still slippery in mid June. Marking the route with red and white is not the best choice as there are red stains on rocks (berries?) and white bird droppings and some markings may have moved. There was not that much actual via ferrata and almost no climbing with via ferrata and at some points I think there should have been secured cables as there were a lot of gravel. I would not do this path in a tight group. I think this was more of a bit challenging hike with great views than a via ferrata but that is just my opinnion. I encountered a snake, likely some viper, and a lot of thorned bushes so better not take shorts.
This sounds so familiar. My experience was similar :).