The most beautiful via ferratas in Val Gardena

For holidaymakers who want an active getaway, Val Gardena is an inviting destination. The Dolomite paradise is not only a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts but also hikers and mountain bikers. Climbers will also get their money's worth here. The numerous via ferratas in and around Val Gardena are very popular and appeal to mountain enthusiasts of all fitness levels.

If in doubt, those who are inexperienced and do not have climbing equipment should always ask local experts about the requirements and the current condition of the respective via ferrata and never go alone. It goes without saying that you should check the weather forecast before every climbing tour to ensure nothing will stand in the way of enjoying your climbing adventure. Below, we have put together a list of the most beautiful via ferratas in Val Gardena for you.

Sheer amazement at 3025 metres above sea level

Experienced climbers and mountaineers should not miss the chance to climb the 3025-metre peak of the Sass Rigais. Around seven hours should be planned for the ascent and descent, which covers a total distance of 10 kilometres.

Why settle for an ordinary via ferrata when there is an impressive Dolomite peak waiting to be climbed? Before you start climbing, a short hike with a view of the Odles awaits you. The entrance is under the Sass Rigais to the west of the saddle.

The Sass Rigais via ferrata is long and only suitable for confident and experienced climbers. In between, however, there are easier sections where no belaying is required. The view from Sass Rigais is simply overwhelming and the experience is unforgettable.

• Total duration: 7 h
• Ascent duration: 4 h
• Descent duration: 3 h
• Distance: 10 km
• Ascent altitude: 920 m
• max. altitude: 3025 m

The via ferrata Mesules was opened in 1912 and is the oldest via ferrata in South Tyrol. Even though many adventurous climbers have mastered this climb to date, this via ferrata has lost none of its charm.

You should plan seven hours for the via ferrata Mesules. Not to be underestimated, this popular via ferrata is more suitable for experienced climbers in good physical shape. Difficult and steep passages pose a great challenge and some sections have to be overcome without the use of protective measures. The full beauty of this excursion unfolds on the descent, which leads you through almost the entire Sella Group and offers you unique views.

• Total duration: 7 h
• Ascent duration: 3,5 h
• Descent duration: 3,5 h
• Distance: 12,9 km
• Ascent altitude: 1040 m
• max. altitude: 2965 m

Another highlight for ambitious climbers was created in 2021 with the approximately 500-metre-long via ferrata in the Forcella Sassolungo. Despite the rather short distance to be covered, the via ferrata has a few surprises in store with steep passages, ledges and more, providing plenty of variety and adrenaline.

The cable car takes you up to the Forcella Sassolungo and to the entrance at the foot of the Punta delle Cinque Dita below the Toni Demetz Hut. From the cable car, you can catch a glimpse of the rocky ridge with the via ferrata.

Even though the via ferrata demands a lot from you and a bench with a route book invites you to take a breather, you only need about three and a half hours for the route. This makes the new via ferrata in the Forcella Sassolungo an ideal destination for a half-day excursion.

• Total duration: 3.5 h
• Ascent duration: 2.5 h
• Descentduration: 1 h
• Distance: 2.2 km
• Ascent altitude: 560 m
• max. altitude: 2740 m

You should also allow around seven hours for the Oskar-Schuster via ferrata, which takes you to the summit of the Sassopiatto and rewards you with a panoramic view of the Sassolungo. From this location, the Dolomites resemble a huge castle that is waiting to be discovered.

The entrance to the Via Ferrata Oskar-Schuster is in the middle of the mountains. You can start at the Sella Pass, from where you can take the cable car to the Sassolungo and enjoy a quick coffee at the Toni Demetz Hut before you really get started. Then descend to the Sassolungo Hut and then up to the Sassopiatto, where the entrance is on the right.

This route leads over an old snow field, a small terrace and a ramp up to the summit of the Sassopiatto. Red markings on the rock face help you to find your way. The descent is also a challenge and will leave you looking forward to refreshments at the Sassopiatto Hut, from where the rest of the route is child's play.

• Total duration: 7 h
• Ascent duration: 3,5 h
• Descent duration: 3,5 h
• Distance: 12 km
• Ascent altitude: 780 m
• max. altitude: 2964 m

One of the most popular via ferrata in the Dolomites

The via ferrata Pisciadù (ital. via ferrata Brigata Tridentina) in the Sella Group is one of the most popular via ferratas in the Dolomites. Those who are enthusiastic about mountaineering and climbing won't want to miss this spectacular via ferrata. It takes six hours to cover the four kilometres that lead you into the steep rocks of the Sella Group. This via ferrata is quite demanding. Highlights are a dizzying suspension bridge and the stop at the Pisciadù Hut Franco Cavazza next to the beautiful Pisciadù lake.

The first part of the climb is challenging and a good indicator of whether you should dare to do the rest of the tour or turn back. Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and prove your courage and stamina. As the Pisciadù via ferrata is very popular, it is recommended to start early in the morning.

• Total duration: 6 h
• Ascent duration: 3,5 h
• Descent duration: 2,5 h
• Distance: 4,1 km
• Ascent altitude: 635 m
• max. altitude: 2587 m

The small Cir may not look like much of a challenge for mountaineers at first glance, but this via ferrata is nevertheless very beautiful and absolutely worthwhile. You should plan around three hours for the four-kilometre route. From the summit of the small Cir, you have a magnificent view of the Dolomites. You start at the Gardena Pass above the village of Selva, from where you can easily see the mountain peaks; on the left is the small Cirpeak. There are easier and more demanding sections on the trail. Since it is one of the easier via ferratas, it is a good preparation tour before you venture onto more difficult excursions.

• Total duration: 3 h
• Ascent duration: 2 h
• Descent duration: 1 h
• Distance: 4,1 km
• Ascent altitude: 450 m
• max. altitude: 2520 m