The main element of every via ferrata is a steel cable. It serves as a safety line during climbing, using the necessary equipment. The steel cable runs along the via ferrata route and is fixed to the rock every few meters. It primarily serves for securing climbers, and its use should be avoided or minimized for progressing along the route.
In addition to the steel cable, a via ferrata may include other auxiliary metal elements used as footholds and handholds. These can be various types of pegs, metal ladders, suspension bridges, and other elements that facilitate progress along the via ferrata route.