Via Ferrata Omiš is one of the most fascinating Via Ferrata (iron path in Italian) trails in Croatia. These kinds of trails, which are in between regular hiking and rock climbing, are becoming more and more popular and you can find them all across Croatia now. We visited the Omis Via Ferrata trail some time ago and we plan to return to it very soon to make a full documentary video about it for our YouTube channel.
As we already mentioned, Croatia is full of different Via Ferrata trails, some of them are located high in the mountains and are pretty hard, and some of them traverse river canyons, but not so many of them rise above the cities as Via Ferrata Omiš does. And what a spectacular view it has.
The city of Omis is a peculiar old town surrounded by mountains, nowhere in Croatia will you find such a blend of the mountain and the city. Logically, Omis is one of the most popular places for rock climbing in Dalmatia as well as many other adventures you can try in its vicinity.
Featured tour: Via Ferrata Omiš
What is a Via Ferrata?
A via ferrata can be translated as “iron path” in Italian and it represents a protected climbing route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors that allow you to safely traverse dangerous or exposed places. These trails are often suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers and offer an exciting way to experience the location from a different perspective.
Via Ferrata Omiš is such a trail from which you can experience Omiš through adventure while enjoying amazing views at the same time. The trail that this Ferrata covers would be dangerous if there wasn’t any security (cables, ladders). It has some exposed parts in which you are at the edge of a few hundred meters cliff so the experience can be pretty intense at the moment. But don’t worry. As long as you use proper equipment and take care of your safety, the risk of any injury is minimal.
The Via Ferrata in Omiš
The via Ferrata in Omiš is a perfect route that provides climbers with a unique experience. It’s well-maintained and one of the best Via Ferratas in Croatia. The route was made by la ocal agency which has guided tours which is a great thing if you never experienced this unique blend of hiking and rock climbing before.
Highlights of Via Ferrata Omiš:
- Location: The route begins near the Cetina River canyon, offering stunning views of the river, Omiš town, and the Adriatic Sea all along the way
- Difficulty Level: Moderate. Route is designed to be accessible for beginners, but it still provides a good challenge for more adventurous ones. A perfect blend if you ask us.
- Length: Approximately 400 meters, with a mix of vertical ascents, traverses, and flatter sections.
- Duration: 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
- Ending location: Amazing Fortica with its stunning views as a final point of Omiš Via Ferrata
Unique Features:
- Panoramic Views: As you climb, you’ll have amazing views of the Cetina River winding through the canyon and the historic town of Omiš. Oh yes, the Adriatic Sea as well
- Historical Context: The area is rich in history and you can feel it in every part of Omiš
- Nature at Its Best: The route takes you through exposed cliffs with rising cliffs around you
Who Can Try It?
Omiš Via Ferrata is suitable for almost anyone. We don’t advise you to do it on your own if you are a beginner but to book an organized tour instead. That way, you’ll learn more about Via Ferratas in general as well as more details about Omiš and its rich history.
- Beginners: With the help of guides and equipment you get you can easily enjoy this adventure
- Families: Kids aged 10 and above can join the Via Ferrata Omiš experience which can be a great family bonding experience
- Experienced Climbers: Even if you are an experienced climber and this Via Ferrata might not be much of a challenge for you, you’ll still enjoy the route and its uniqueness
Equipment You’ll Need
Common equipment for Ferrata trails includes a helmet, climbing harness, and Y rope with 2 carabiners known as Via Ferrata set that can be bought in hiking shops (you’ll get it if you book the guided tour). Apart from this climbing equipment, you need to have regular hiking equipment, especially hiking boots.
- Helmet: To protect your head from falling debris or accidental bumps.
- Harness: For securing Via Ferrata set onto yourself.
- Via Ferrata Set: This includes lanyards and carabiners designed for climbing and for attaching you to steel cables
- Proper Shoes: Hiking or climbing shoes with good grip.
- Gloves (Optional): To protect your hands and improve your grip on the cables.
Guided Tours and Safety
While it’s possible to navigate the via Ferrata by yourself if you have the experience we recommend you join a guided tour for numerous reasons.
- Safety Briefing: Comprehensive instructions on using the equipment and navigating the route.
- Local Insights: Knowledge about the area’s history, geology, and natural features.
- Support: Assistance throughout the climb, ensuring everyone has a great experience and lots of fun.
Tips for an Unforgettable Experience of Via Ferrata Omiš
- Plan Ahead: Book your via ferrata tour in advance, especially during the peak season since it’s a popular among things to do in Omiš
- Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, as the climb can be physically demanding.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear breathable and flexible clothing suitable for outdoor activities.
- Start Early: Mornings offer cooler temperatures and fewer hikers on the route.
- Check the Weather: Via Ferrata Omiš is best enjoyed on sunny days or cloudy days with no rain.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to enjoy the via ferrata in Omiš is during not-so-hot parts of the year which are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather during these months is mild and perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
Summer is the most popular month to visit Omiš and Croatia overall so that’s the period when Omiš Via Ferrata is the most visited too. We advise you to start your ascent as early as possible if you are visiting it during summer.
Other Adventures Near Omiš
While in Omiš do as other people in Omiš do, and that is immersing into adventure. Omiš is considered to be capital of adventure in Croatia so there are many other adventure tours to try in Omiš such as:
- Ziplining: Fly over the Cetina River canyon. One of the best ziplines in Croatia.
- Rafting or Canyoning: Explore the Cetina River’s rapids and waterfalls. Cetina is considered to be the best river for rafting in Croatia.
- Hiking: Discover scenic trails that offer spectacular views of the region. You can hike to Fortica or Omiška Dinara mountain.
- Exploring the Old Town: Wander through Omiš’s historic streets and learn about its pirate past and rich history.
Our Experience of Omis Via Ferrata
We have been planning to visit Omis Via Ferrata for a long time. At the time it was built, ferratas were not so common in Croatia. Omis Ferrata starts near the Omis old city core and goes up to the Fortica fortress. If you are going slowly and stopping occasionally to admire the view, you’ll need around 3 – 4 hours to reach its end. You don’t need to have previous experience to enjoy Via Ferrata Omiš, but you need to have the proper equipment.
We arrived in Omis early in the morning and parked our car at a local parking lot. We struggled a bit until we found the entrance to the Omis Ferrata but we managed to do it with the help of Google Maps. Once we were in the Ferrata the feeling was awesome. It’s not hard although there are some exposed parts and we could feel the extra adrenaline kick in. If you use the safety equipment properly, you’ll be safe from any harm.
During the whole ascent, you get to enjoy the beautiful view of the city of Omis and the Cetina River mouth. We stopped numerous times, just to drink coffee and enjoy the view. It was hot even though it wasn’t summer yet. If you plan to visit this Ferrata in the summer, beware of the heat and start early in the morning. Bring a lot of water too.
How We Lost Our GoPro Camera
We returned to Omis Ferrata the very next day. We had an accident during the first-day climb. Or better said, our GoPro had an accident. We were recording a video of us climbing the Via Ferrata Omiš and left our GoPro to record us while doing so. At one moment wind started to blow and pushed our GoPro over the edge. Although the fall could be more than 100 meters long, our camera miraculously stopped in the middle of the cliff, some 20 meters below us.
So the very next day, we returned with our climbing equipment and ropes and descended down to find it. We didn’t know that it was where it was but we were willing to give it a chance. We haven’t seen the fall and it could have happened that our GoPro finished bashed in the million pieces at the bottom of the 100-meter cliff. But fortunately, that wasn’t the case. I was searching the bush in the middle of the cliff and there were no signs of the camera.
I was ready to give up and climb my way out but I decided to push my arm in the bush one more time. And it was a moment I found our fallen GoPro. Without the scratch. It recorded its fall and turned off some 17 minutes later. Finding it in this bush seemed almost like a miracle.
Before you Start your Omiš Via Ferrata Climb
We hope this article will make you want to experience the Omiš Via Ferrata as well as some other adventurous activities you can do in the area. Remember, Croatia is known because of the sun and sea combination but it would be a shame not to add any kind of adventure into the equation. Finally, Croatia is known for its wide variety of adventure tours you can try.
Enjoy your adventures in Croatia and may your Omiš Via Ferrata experience be as rewarding as ours was.
