Via ferrata Gran Cir

The Gran Cir is a majestic mountain located just above the Passo Gardena in the heart of the Dolomites. From the south side, onlookers can admire its steep Dolomite cliffs. And yet, you don’t have to be an expert climber to summit this mountain: a secured track leads all the way to the top at 2592 m altitude. As such, the Gran Cir is a great choice for those who want to get their first taste of a via ferrata (fixed cable route). Experienced mountaineers can easily tackle the Gran Cir without any climbing equipment at all.

Other factors that add to Gran Cir’s popularity are its short access time and the breathtaking view from the top. You’ll be able to gaze upon an endless array of mountains in all directions. Facing west, you’ll be able to spot Ortler, the highest mountain in South Tyrol. To the south, you’ll see the famous Sella, while facing east will give you a glimpse of other giants of the Dolomites like Tofana, Antelao, Civetta and many more!

This unique geographic location make the Gran Cir a very popular choice for sunrise and sunset climbs. An excursion to the Gran Cir can be perfectly combined with one to the Small Cir (situated right next to it), a mountain featuring its own beautiful via ferrata.

From Val Gardena

Coming from the Autostrada del Brennero (A22) highway, drive through Val Gardena (SS242) until Plan de Gralba. From there, turn left at the junction and drive up to Passo Gardena (SS243). On top of the pass, you’ll find a parking lot right after the “Frara” guesthouse (subject to charge).

In summer, the mountain passes in the Dolomites are excellently served by public transportation. Line 471 departs from Val Gardena (Ortisei) and Val Badia (Corvara) to Passo Gardena every 30 minutes. For detailed schedules, see SüdtirolMobil

From Selva, it’s also possible to take the cable car to reach Dantercepies at Passo Gardena even faster. The mountain station is located higher than the pass, which shortens the access time to Gran Cir by about 20 minutes. Just follow trail 12A all the way to the starting point.

From Val Badia

Coming from Val Badia, drive until Corvara (SS244) and turn right. Drive all the way to the top of Passo Gardena (SS243) to the same parking lot.
From Val Badia it’s possible to take the Frara cable car from Colfosco until Passo Gardena.
Once you step outside at the top, you’ll be standing right in front of the Gran Cir. Follow trail 12A to the starting point.

From the Gardena Pass it’s easy to spot the Gran Cir – it is the largest of all the peaks that line up to the north.

Starting from the parking lot, follow the trail upwards through the meadows. When you reach one third of the way, turn right (west) and follow the path to the foot of the Gran Cir. You will soon reach the starting point of the via ferrata.

In the beginning, a fixed steel cable leads the way up a ramp to the right. In those first few meters, you’ll notice that the rock is pretty worn out and smooth. At the end of the ramp, glance up – you’ll be able to see the summit cross already! The ground gets a little flatter from here, and there is no fixed route to follow for this part of the excursion. Just keep walking. Before you reach the summit, there’s just one more bout of climbing to do (always secured with a steel cable). In no time, you’ll have reached the peak!

The way down is exactly the same as the way up.

The Gran Cir is well-known as a fantastic outlook in Val Gardena. There are few peaks in the valley that are so quickly and easily reached and offer such a breathtaking view. On warm summer days, don’t expect to have the place to yourself if you decide to tackle this excursion at sunrise or sunset!

The Gran Cir is a great choice for beginners. Being one of the easiest and safest via ferrate around, it offers the perfect opportunity to get familiar with climbing equipment and safety procedures.

An excursion to the Gran Cir can be perfectly combined with one to the Small Cir right next to it. That peak isn’t quite as high, but the climb is more demanding. If the Gran Cir bored you, maybe you’ll find a challenge in the Small Cir?

• Tabacco no. 05, Gröden-Val Gardena or no. 07, Alta Badia, Arabba, Marmolada. The Tobacco cards are also available via the app.
• AV-Karte no. 52/I

• "Klettersteige für Einsteiger Südtirol-Dolomiten-Gardasee", Christjan Ladurner, Tappeiner
• "Klettersteigführer Dolomiten-Südtirol-Gardasee", Axel Jentzsch-Rabl, Andreas Jentzsch, Dieter Wissekal, Alpinverlag