Top 5 Via Ferrata Routes in Italy
If you’re a fan of climbing, simply want to try a new adventure with incredible views to take in or just love heights and are up for a challenge, then grab your harness, helmet, and hiking shoes, to try some of the best via ferrata routes in Italy.
In addition to its fabulous gastronomy and rich culture, Italy has beautiful mountainous landscapes, which represents 40% of the territory! From the Alps and the Dolomites in the north to the Apennine mountains that extends all the way across the country, Italy is the perfect place to do a via ferrata!
For those who are new to via ferrata, this sport is accessible to all levels of ability, only requiring participants to have a reasonable level of physical fitness. If you’re after a great solo activity or family holiday adventure, don't miss out on a via ferrata excursion! Be ready to have fun while climbing, without the fear of falling (you’re always attached by at least one rope and carabiner clip, in your control).
1. Sentiero Contrabbandieri, near Arco
This incredible climb, around rocky cliff sides with sheer drops and with beautiful views of Lake Garda below is one the best spots to try via ferrata in Italy! Doing the via ferrata Sientiero Contrabbandieri is walking on a rugged cliff-face route that offers heights, history, and stunning natural beauty!
Make your way under overhanging rocks, through narrow paths, across ravines, and around mountainsides, with ladder descents that make it a thrilling scenic route. Did you know that this trail was used by smugglers during World War II to cross the boundaries between Italy and Austria? So what's more thrilling to cross this path full of history during this challenging 4-hour via ferrata?
Whether you are a seasoned climber or a newcomer to via ferrata, this activity in the Italian Alps promises an immersive journey into the untamed beauty and intriguing history of the region... No need to be an athlete!
2. Balconi sul Garda
Let's stay at beautiful Lake Garda! The via ferrata Balconi sul Garda is a perfect activity to do if you want to live an exciting experience! This 2-kilometer-long path is where you will learn the basic techniques to climb perfectly and safely on the rocks surrounding the Garda lake!
This route involves a lot of uphill scrambling and climbing and is a great way to see some incredible views and test your endurance, strength, and nerve. With a professional mountain guide, spend a full day conquering this route, soaking in the Italian sunshine, and enjoying the majesty of this trail! The journey unfolds against the backdrop of the charming towns dotting the lake's edge, making this via ferrata a harmonious blend of adrenaline and natural beauty, drawing adventure enthusiasts to explore the heights of Lake Garda's spectacular cliffs.
The Balconi sul Garda via ferrata seamlessly combines the excitement of climbing with the serenity of the lakeside setting, creating an unforgettable experience. However, it is recommended for sporty people because it is a long, steep and challenging via ferrata!
3. Col dei Bos, Dolomites
A more challenging beginner’s route, the via ferrata Col dei Bos will make you climb 80m of vertical wall, hike to an elevation of 2559m through beautiful forested areas, and end with a 100m climbing route. With its dramatic rock formations and panoramic vistas, Col dei Bos offers a unique and challenging via ferrata experience.
As climbers ascend the iron rungs and traverse exposed ledges, they are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, creating a symbiotic blend of nature and adrenaline. The 3-hour activity through the Dolomitic landscape, reveals the sheer beauty of the region, characterized by its towering spires and lush alpine meadows.
This activity is designed for intermediate climbers or motivated climbers! Be ready to live an immersive journey into the heart of the Dolomites, where the thrill of the ascent is met with the unparalleled beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Fanes Waterfalls, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Experience the Fanes Waterfalls via ferrata to explore this magical vertical terrain. You will hike through the forest, past streams, and the beautiful 120m high cascading waters during 4.5 hours. Being one of the best via ferrata in Italy, this route has two decent options to choose from so that you can tailor-make the route to what you want to experience… or come back and do the other option next time!
This rather easy route is great for people wanting a taste of the sport as well as a great vantage point to see the waterfall. The ascent along the Fanes Waterfalls route involves navigating through rugged rock faces, crossing suspension bridges, and ascending via secured iron rungs. The panoramic vistas of the Dolomite peaks, lush greenery, and the dynamic flow of water make this journey an immersive and unforgettable experience.
This activity is accessible for beginners and seasonal climbers. You will be able to discover the Fanes Waterfalls during a thrilling itinerary, where the raw beauty of the mountains converges with the excitement of vertical exploration.
5. Pan di Zucchero, Sardinia
Get ready to enjoy this Italian island like never before! Trying a via ferrata in Sardinia is a unique way to enjoy the natural beauty of the waters. You will be attached above the sea, rising around 133 meters! This trail is more adapted to the ones that are not scared of the heights...
The Pan di Zucchero is one of the best via ferrata in Italy, nestled in the heart of the magnificent island of Sardinia, and offers a mountain adventure like no other. Dominated by the impressive rock formation of the same name, this activity is a thrilling experience for climbing enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike. The route offers breathtaking panoramic views of the region's spectacular coastal landscapes, blending the raw beauty of the Mediterranean Sea with the rugged terrain of Sardinia. Climbers cling to steep walls on secure metal rungs and cross-suspension bridges, adding a dose of adrenalin to this unique adventure. For an additional fee, you will be able to abseil directly on the boat if you don't want to descend the same route.
Be prepared to challenge yourself to this sporty adventure! The Pan di Zucchero via ferrata promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sardinia's wilderness, where the connection with the steep landscape blends harmoniously with the excitement of climbing. Be ready to spend a full day experience!
Keep your feet on the ground
Now that you have the top 5 of the best via ferrata in Italy, you can choose a great route for a first experience! It will certainly make you hungry to try more! If by any chance you're staying longer in Italy, why not keep your feet on the ground and do a trekking excursion along the Almafi coast to discover some breathtaking views?
And if you're thinking of doing a via ferrata but have your doubts, we've got the solution for you! Discover our via ferrata guide to understand everything about this sport. If by any chance you're going on holiday and are planning the activities you want to do, check out the best via ferrata destinations in the world.