Discover the most stunning routes!
1. Via Ferrata delle Bocchette Alte and Centrali – one of the best via ferratas in Europe
Bocchette Alte – dificulty B/C, total time 6 hours 30 minutes
Bocchette Centrali – dificulty B/C var. C, total time 3 hours 30 minutes
If there’s one route that embodies everything we love about ferratas, it’s the Bocchette Alte and Centrali. This iconic path takes you deep into the heart of the Brenta massif, offering wild and rugged scenery that stays with you long after the adventure is over. The exposed ledges and vertical ladders deliver that perfect mix of thrill and wonder. Standing on a narrow rock shelf with the vast Dolomites stretching out before you – it’s the kind of experience that words can barely capture.
This route will be described in our next eBook – check it out.
2. Sentiero Croda Passaporto and Sentiero attrezzato De Luca-Innerkofler – a must-see on any best via ferrata in Europe list
dificulty B/C, total time 5 hours
It’s impossible not to feel a surge of emotion when you see Tre Cime up close. These colossal peaks are a symbol of the Dolomites, and walking these ferratas gives you the chance to experience them from a unique perspective.
With every step along the rocky ridges, you feel the immensity of the mountains around you. The silence, broken only by the sound of the wind and the crunch of rock underfoot, creates a sense of total immersion in nature.
3. Sentiero Ivano Dibona– iconic bridge of one of the best via ferratas in Europe
dificulty A/B, total time 7 hours
Even if you’ve never seen “Cliffhanger” with Sylvester Stallone the moment you step onto this suspended bridge, you’ll feel like you’re in a movie. Suspended high above the chasm, it’s a moment that makes your heart race – but it’s also one of the most memorable experiences you can have on a ferrata. Every time we cross it, there’s that moment of stillness as we pause to take it all in: the void beneath us, the endless peaks on the horizon, and the realization that we’re walking in the footsteps of history.
4. Vie Ferrate Cascate Rio di Fanes– a trail among waterfalls
dificulty B, total time 4 hours
Some ferratas leave you speechless, and this is one of them. Walking alongside cascading waterfalls, feeling the cool spray on your face as the water roars beside you – it’s something magical.
It’s not just a hike; it’s a sensory experience. The play of sunlight on the water, the power of the rushing falls, and the lush green surroundings make this route feel like a walk through a living postcard.
5. Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella – climb to the summit of Tofana di Rozes
dificulty C/D, total time 8 hours 30 minutes
The climb to Tofana di Rozes is one of those adventures that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The trail begins in a dark, narrow war tunnel, where every step echoes with history.
Emerging from the tunnel, you’re greeted by the golden glow of Dolomite cliffs and an open sky that seems to stretch on forever. Reaching the summit is a triumphant moment – not just because of the climb, but because you’ve experienced a journey that bridges the past and the present.
6. Via Ferrata alla Tofana di Mezzo– climb to the summit of Tofana di Mezzo
dificulty D, total time 6 hours 45 minutes
There’s something magical about reaching a summit, and Tofana di Mezzo is no exception. Every step on this ferrata feels like a step closer to the clouds. The exposed ledges and metal cables add a dash of adrenaline, but it’s the panoramic views that steal the show. The higher you go, the wider the world becomes, until you feel like you’re on top of everything. It’s a climb we’ve done more than once – and every time, it’s as awe-inspiring as the first.
7. Via Ferrata Meisules –Pößnecker Klettersteig – a trail through the heart of the massif
dificulty C/D, total time 8 hours 30 minutes
The Meisules ferrata is one of the oldest and almost legendary routes in the Dolomites. Built between 1910 and 1912 by members of the Pößnecker section of the Austrian-German Alpine Club (DÖAV), it follows Route IV, which had been established just a few years earlier by Mayer and Haupt. It is considered one of the most exciting and challenging routes in the Dolomites, running along solid, beautifully sculpted rock. The trail is highly varied, leading through chimneys, stone slabs, massive scree-covered ledges, and vertical cracks. It is difficult, demanding, and at times highly exposed. Without a doubt, it is worth every effort and every drop of sweat shed along the way.
8. Via Ferrata Oskar Schuster
– a challenging route in the Sassopiatto massif
dificulty B/C, total time 6 hours 30 minutes
Technical, challenging, and unforgettable – that’s how we’d describe the Oskar Schuster ferrata. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Every meter of this climb demands focus and determination. The thrill of overcoming each obstacle, the satisfaction of navigating tricky rock faces, and the reward of panoramic views from the top – this is what ferrata dreams are made of.
9. Ferrata in the Rosengarten massif
– the heart of South Tyrol
Ferrata Santner dificulty B/C, total time 4 hours
The Rosengarten Massif is a world of its own. Every time we return here, it feels like we’re stepping into a painting. The vivid colors of the rocks, the soft glow of the sunrise on the cliffs, and the timeless beauty of the Vajolet Towers – it’s pure magic. One of our favorite ferratas here is the Santner, where every step feels like part of a grander adventure. If you’re looking for something that blends beauty, challenge, and history, this is it.
10. Via Ferrata on Punta Penia
– the highest peak of the Dolomites (3343 m)
Via ferrata Cresta Ovest (Marmolada Westgrad)- dificulty B, total time 7 hours
Every ferrata climber dreams of conquering Punta Penia – and for good reason. It’s not just the highest peak of the Dolomites; it’s a journey through ice, snow, and rock that pushes you to your limits. But the reward? The view from 3343 meters above sea level – a panorama that takes your breath away, every single time. It’s an emotional, physical, and mental challenge rolled into one. Reaching the top is a moment of pure elation – and one we’ll never forget.
Why are the Dolomites the mecca of via ferratas?
It’s simple – nowhere else in the world offers the same variety, history, and sheer beauty. The Dolomites aren’t just a place to climb; they’re a place to connect with nature, history, and your inner adventurer. Every ferrata tells a story – of soldiers who forged paths during wartime, of climbers seeking adventure, and of people like us, who return again and again because we can’t get enough.
This is why we call the Dolomites home. The climbs challenge our bodies and nourish our souls. Every route offers a chance to push our limits, discover new perspectives, and feel truly alive. It’s here that we found some of the best via ferratas in Europe, and we know you will too.
If you dream of a true ferrata adventure, the Dolomites are a must-visit destination. On each of the routes described above, you’ll face not only physical challenges but also a visual feast for the soul – it’s here that you’ll find the best via ferratas in Europe.
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