Our Favourite Via Ferrata Routes

1843 saw the creation of the very first iron path - a route on the Dachstein in the Austrian Alps. As the birthplace of via ferrata, Austria still has the most number of routes today, with an astonishing 741 in total. Coming a close second is Italy with over 400 paths to choose from. More than half of these and we think the best of all are located in the beautiful Dolomites region. The Italian via ferrata was born during the First World War, over half a decade later than Austria. They were created to help get soldiers and equipment into strategic positions in the mountains by traversing along the craggy peaks using the steel cables and ropes. Today the routes have been transformed into a fun and popular holiday activity for active families and adventurous individuals. The routes unlock the mountains of the UNESCO world heritage park around Cortina and you can experience a connection with the mountains that you would otherwise never have. 

Each route is different, some quite short and others much longer with varying levels of difficulty. You can build your confidence on the gentle routes and progress at your own speed. Some of the via ferrata routes work really well in combination with e-bikes, you can ride out from your hotel enjoying the spectacular scenery without having to rely on your own legs for all the power!  We will design your day to suit you, incorporating lunch at a beautiful mountain hut along the way - you won’t want to miss the celebrated gourmet food that the Dolomites region is so well known for. 

We have rounded up a selection of our favourite via ferrata routes from the gentle introductory climbs to the more challenging ascents.

Easy 

Half day with e-bike - Giovanna Barrati, Fanes Waterfalls

As a gentle introduction to via ferrata we recommend starting on one of the less challenging routes. Our favourite is a half day adventure to Fanes waterfall. To reach the starting point you can enjoy a fun hours e-bike ride from your hotel with your guide. Once you are at Parcheggio Pian de Loa you will get into your harness and clip onto the via ferrata cable and follow the path - meandering along the gushing Rio Di Fanes eventually arriving at the dramatic Fanes waterfalls. One of the best parts of this route is going underneath the first cascade, with the water plummeting down around you, it's an experience not to miss. Next is a gentle hike along an old military road and on through a forest into Valle di Fanes which opens out onto a deep gorge carved away by Rio de Fanes. A good point to take a break and take in the surrounding scenery is at the top of Croda Rossa. At 1,480m it is a fantastic viewpoint. On your return there are various options for lunch at one of the local mountain huts or you can return to your hotel for an afternoon relaxing in the spa.

Best for: Families, your first time doing a via ferrata.

Medium 

Full Day - Tenente Fusetti on Sass de Stria and the World War I Museum

Another of our favourites and a slightly more challenging route takes you on a full day via ferrata climb. After a hearty breakfast, fuelling up for your active day ahead, one of our team will drive you up to the Pass Val Parola. This is where the largest open-air museum from the First World War is located. The route begins with a walk up through a tunnel blown out of the mountain during the war. Once you have reached the other side and turned the corner you can clip into the start of the via ferrata. The 2 hour ascent takes you through the old Austrian army trenches, a surreal experience seeing the harsh reality of the conditions experienced during the war. Once you have reached the top, a well-deserved break is in order. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sensational views across Cortina and the surrounding peaks. After a one hour walk back down you can enjoy a delicious Tyrolean lunch at one of the local Refugio’s and try the regional delicacies, canelderi and spaetzle. If you are hungry to find out more about the historical site, the First World War museum is a great option to round off the day and your guide can organise access before heading back into Cortina.

Best for: History fanatics and adventurous families

Difficult

Power Hour (1.5 hours) - Maria and Andrea Ferrari

Added to the extensive list of via ferrata routes in 2015 the new Andrea e Maria Ferrari via ferrata is one of the shortest routes you can do. It is a great option if you are pushed for time but want to squeeze in a final exciting climb. Although short, this isn’t for the faint-hearted, it is a challenging climb and recommended for the super fit and more experienced. This route scales the right hand side of Torrione di Pomede with a 150m vertical climb of the rock face using 2 footbridges, steel cables and various steels and pegs. This is immediately followed by a 100m scramble along the ridge to reach the crest, Ra Bujela. Peaking at 1,875m, the views are fabulous and you are rewarded with a picturesque descent through the meadows beyond.

Best for: Fitness enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies

Half Day - Gianni Aglio

This via ferrata leads up to the highest of the three Tofane mountains. Beginning with a long and difficult traverse, this route is another challenging one - recommended for the well-trained and more experienced climbers. Starting at 2,900m the views all the way along the route are spectacular and you really will feel on top of the world. After a couple of airy and difficult traverses along the East and North faces of the Torre you will reach the large Bus de Tofane window at 2,920m. Here there are links to Rifugio Giussani and Rifugio Dinona where you can have a pit stop if you fancy a refreshment before continuing up to the top. The final stretch to the summit involves tackling a couple of vertical drops using ladders and navigating a rocky path passing an avalanche barrier. Before descending to Rifugio Cima Tofana at 3,191m where you can enjoy a refreshing drink to celebrate your achievements and then jump in the cable car back down.

Best for: Well trained and experienced climbers

If you would like to experience the thrilling via ferrata in Cortina give our adventure travel consultants a call on 020 8246 5300 or enquire online to find out more.