Via Ferrata and scrambling in Arma – Parnitha Mountain

Athens is the capital of Greece and offers many different outdoor activities for the visitors of the city just 30 minutes from the city centre. One of the most visited location for such activities is mount Parnitha that besides hiking, climbing and cycling, one can enjoy a really nice Via Ferrata route that is located in “Arma“.

A via ferrata (Italian for “iron path”, plural vie ferrate or in English via ferratas) is a protected climbing route found in the Alps and certain other locations. The via ferrata found on Mount Parnitha is called “Arma” and the starting point is nearby “Moni Kliston” monastery. For the most part, it is the route that climbers have been following year after year in order to access the climbing barracks.

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_205645_209 — First part of Arma Via Ferrata Route

At many exposed locations, ropes are mounted on the rock and often fitted with mechanical plugs, which offer relative security. The path passes through cliffs that are fully exposed in the void. What makes it special is the direct contact with the special nature of the imposing cliff. Two small traverses which need via ferrata gear, offer the first short via ferrata sensation. The path rises up the slope with relatively easy climbing, but minimal security and the scree is quite loose. It is one of the most exposed parts of the route and needs special attention.

See other outdoor activities in Parnitha:

Access

From Attiki Odos Exit #6, follow Fylis Avenue towards Fyli/Chasia (north/west). Follow the road for 500m until big roundabout.

Take the third exit and continue on Fylis Avenue. 3,1 km after the roundabout you will see a golden-domed church on your right hand (Panagia Kanala) and a football pitch on your left.

Continue and go further than the Fyli village and follow the direction towards Monastery Kliston.

Via Ferrata Arma

The path to the Via Ferrata starts right from the road curve that leads to the climbing crag “Arma”. This is about 10 minutes of easy hike, perfect for a nice warm up.

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_205507_253 — Via Ferrata Sign

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_205609_520 — Beautiful View

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_205720_678 — Climbing Crag

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_205759_667 — Starting Point of Via Ferrata

The Via Ferrata Arma is divided in three main parts.

The first section consists of some scrambling III UIAA and some exposed passages that are secured by steel cable and ropes. This first part is about 30-35 minutes of scrambling and hiking which leads to the highest point of Arma.

The second section of Via Ferrata Arma, consists of multiple down-climbs that might be a bit tricky for beginners, though for experienced mountaineers is just a pleasant and entertaining route. In fact, in all the exposed and/or difficult passages, there are secured steel cables and/or ropes.

The third section, is the return trail that leads you to the starting point via a beautiful pine tree forest.

Via Ferrata Arma Section 1

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_205824_246 — First easy scramble III UIAA

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_205927_593 — easy scramble III UIAA

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210012_290 — easy scramble III UIAA

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210045_864 — reaching the first exposed passage with the steel cable

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210215_868 — down climb

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210236_400 — The monastery as seen from above

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210445_495 — a short hike till the next scrambling section

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210722_690 — easy scramble III UIAA

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210752_740 — easy scramble III UIAA

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210817_353 — easy scramble III UIAA

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210902_262 — easy scramble III UIAA

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_210948_325 — easy scramble III UIAA

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_211057_817 — easy scramble III UIAA + fixed rope for extra security

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_211445_560 — Almost at the top of Arma – End of Section 1

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_211551_829 — Almost at the top of Arma – End of Section 1

Via Ferrata Arma Section 2

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_211730_547 — Stunning View

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_212144_225 — Down climb

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213146_303 — Scrambling

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213414_334 — Real Via Ferrata Part

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213501_593 — Real Via Ferrata Part

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213532_561 — Real Via Ferrata Part

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213606_313 — Real Via Ferrata Part

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213626_449 — Real Via Ferrata Part

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213653_231 — Real Via Ferrata Part

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213816_070 — Real Via Ferrata Part

Via Ferrata Arma Section 3

The third section, is the return trail that leads you to the starting point via a beautiful pine tree forest.

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213759_100 — Trail Sign Boards

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_213849_279 — Trail Path

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_214050_602 — Trail sign boards

Parnitha_Via_Ferrata_Arma_214105_135 — Enter a caption

About Parnitha

Hiking is a very popular activity in Parnitha. Two climbing associations, along with the Forest Service of Parnitha have created a dense network of trails, that covers the whole mountain range. Numerous paths pass along springs, thick forests and pastures. There are many options, according to the altitude difference that someone intends to cover (0 -800m.), the distance (500-5,000m.) and the time needed (30΄- 6 hours). Several routes give the opportunity to observe different vegetation types: firs, pines, oaks, junipers, plane-trees, phrygana.

The most important trails are indicated either by simple red signs on rocks and trees or by red tapes or finally, by special signs for each path, such as red triangles, red squares, yellow rhombs etc. In this way, following the same shape and colour of the signs, one can find the path and follow it to its end.