If you want to dip your feet into the world of via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, but don’t know which beginner routes would be good to start with, you have come to the right place.
There are over 700 via ferratas in the Dolomites. Their main history dates back to the 1st World War when soldiers set up intricate routes across the mountains to fight the opposition.
Since then frayed ropes have been replaced with steel cables and the via ferratas have turned into adventure sites for people, who would like to take hiking to the next level.
Ten Beginner Via Ferratas In The Italian Dolomites
Just last year I was a beginner myself, but after 2 full summer seasons spent in the Dolomites, I managed to tick off over 50 via ferratas from my bucket list. Here are a few that I consider to be great for novices.
New to the via ferratas? Read my beginner’s guide!
1. Via ferrata Gran Cir
If you are a fan of getting great rewards for putting in little effort then via ferrata Gran Cir is for you.
There is a good reason why this route is at the top of the list. It’s the easiest one and the ascent is only 60 to 90 minutes long.
Starting at Passo Gardena, one of the most photogenic mountain passes in the Dolomites, the route will take you to the top of the Gran Cir mountain where you can check out the beautiful views of the nearby Sella mountain group and Sassolungo.
2. Via ferrata Innerkofler/De Luca
This is a real gem in the popular Tre Cime Di Lavaredo National Park in the Italian Dolomites. Via ferrata Innerkofler packs a hell of a punch considering it’s just a half-day excursion.
The ferrata starts near rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte), one of the best mountain huts in the Italian Dolomites, taking you to the summit of Monte Paterno, at the foot of which the refuge was built.
From the top, you can admire the famous three peaks from an elevated view and away from the crowds. Just make sure to leave early to have the summit all to yourself!
3. Via ferrata Passo Santner
For a beginner route, this one is a bit harder than the two previously mentioned via ferratas. The reason I decided to include it in the beginner list is that the route never presents any scary exposure. The protection, in the form of cables and stemples, is excellent from start to finish.
The real challenge is to focus on the route and not the amazing views surrounding you. The Rosengarten Nature Park where the ferrata is located is known for its many dramatic spires, many of which are visible on this route.
The culmination of the ferrata is the Santner mountain pass where you can get an excellent view of the Vajolet towers – one of my favorite photography subjects in the Dolomites!
Go to my article via ferrata Passo Santner for detailed information and to see more photos!
4. Via ferrata Catinnacio D’Antermoia
At 3002 meters Monte Catinnacio is the highest peak in the Rosengarten group. Thanks to the beginner via ferrata Catinnacio D’Antermoia and the proximity of the nearby mountain hut, you can have its summit under your belt in just a few hours.
The ferrata starts at Rifugio Principe built on the mountain pass with the same name. If you study the photo above you will be able to notice the hut. It’s the most interesting hut I came across during my time in the Dolomites because it’s built right into the side of the mountain.
This via ferrata doesn’t pose any great challenges. The only real obstacle might be in your mind. Sure-footedness is a necessity on any of these routes!
5. Via ferrata Ra Gusela
If you’ve done any kind of research about the Dolomites I am sure that you’ve come across a photo of the Giau mountain pass (Passo Giau).
The mountain standing on the pass – Ra Gusela, is a beloved photography subject for many who visit this area. However, few realize that you can get to its summit along the beginner via ferrata Ra Gusela.
There is nothing technical or complicated about this ferrata. The only scary thing is the few hundred meters high and nearly vertical walls on the other side of the mountain. Don’t worry though, this is not the side you will be scrambling on!
6. Via ferrata Averau
Just two peaks across from Mount Ra Gusela stands Mount Averau. If I was going to single out my favorite beginner via ferrata, it would be this one.
The cable section on this route is quite intense but very short. After that, it’s a straightforward path to the summit, where some of the best views I have witnessed in the Dolomites are waiting for you!
Via ferrata Averau can be connected with the previously mentioned Ra Gusela. Together they will make up for a demanding, but exciting day in the mountains!
7. Via ferrata Sass Rigais
This great beginner via ferrata will give you a chance to summit the highest peak of the Seceda ridgeline – one of the most iconic photo spots in the Dolomites. The peak is called Sass Rigais and it reaches over 3000 meters!
Due to a relatively long approach, this ferrata is a bit harder than the others I have mentioned in this article. The exposure along the cable section is also greater. I was actually mulling over for a while whether to include it on my intermediate list, but I decided against it.
If you have a head for heights you shouldn’t have any problems completing this via ferrata. The route is straightforward and there are always great spots to place your feet. For more information about this route, check out my other article.
8. Via Ferrata Sassongher
Sassongher is the distinct peak standing over the town of Corvara. It also lies within the borders of the Puez Odle National Park – home to the famous Seceda ridgeline.
When I first lay my eyes upon Sassongher I thought of it to be unattainable to a mere mortal like myself. When looking at it from Corvara all you see are 90-degree steep walls.
Luckily the slopes on the other side of the mountain, where the path runs are a lot more gentle, making it one of the easiest via ferratas on this list.
The approach starts at the top of the Col Pradat gondola in the town of Colfosco and for the first 30 minutes, it leads gently along the side of the mountain on path nr 4A. After around 30 minutes it veers off on path nr 7 to Forcella (saddle) di Sassongher.
The cable-protected section starts shortly after you reach the saddle and lasts for only around 100 meters. After that, you have another 30-45 minutes of switchbacks to reach the summit. The total round trip time to the top is 3-4 hours which makes for a great half-day trip.
9. Via Ferrata Sass de Putia
The hike to the summit of Sass de Putia begins at Passo delle Erbe near the village of Santa Magdalena.
Sass de Putia has two summits. The lower one can be reached via a day hike, but to reach the true summit you will need to tackle the via ferrata section stretching for around 300 meters before the top. The whole route takes around 6-8 hours to complete.
Sass de Putia can also be summited as an extension to the popular long-distance trek – Alta Via 2 running nearby. This is the option I went for when hiking it during one of the summer seasons which I spent in the Dolomites.
10. Via Ferrata Strada Degli Alpini
I have deliberately decided to leave the best for last. If you spend as much time in the mountains as me you can quickly become, what I call the ‘view snob’. Regular green rolling hills don’t quench my thirst for jaw-dropping views any longer.
I need sheer walls and dramatic spires and via ferrata Strada degli Alpini delivers exactly that. All whilst remaining within the beginner level, attainable even for those without any via ferrata experience.
Shop my via ferrata gear essentials
Black Diamond Helmet
Rockfall is a major concern on via ferrata routes. Unbeknownst to you, other climbing groups above you may accidentally dislodge a small rock and send it hurtling down the mountain. If it hits you on the head it could have serious consequences. A helmet placed on your head (not inside your backpack) is a must!
Shop on: Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Black Diamond Momentum Harness
Another must-have on a via ferrata route is a climbing harness. A harness works as an anchor point for your via ferrata lanyard. Make sure to try it on first before your trip to ensure it fits snugly without limiting your movements. Aim for a lightweight harness, that will be comfy to wear between the cable-protected sections when you are hiking.
Shop Women’s on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Shop Men’s on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Edelrid, Camp or Black Diamond Via Ferrata Lanyard
A via ferrata lanyard connects the climber and their harness to the cables along the route. Its two arms and a hidden extra coil work as an energy absorption system in case of a fall, by reducing the stress on the climber. The two carabiners at the end of the lanyard are used to clip into the cable. Make sure the carabiners are equipped with the palm squeeze mechanism. It’s the safest and most comfortable.
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Black Diamond Crag Gloves
The gloves are meant to protect your hands from any cuts and scratches you may otherwise get if you haul yourself on the cable without them. Personally, I prefer full-fingered gloves for extra protection against blisters.
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Salewa Wildfire Edge Approach Shoes
My go-to pair of hiking shoes for easier trails or via ferrata, where I don’t need extra ankle support. They provide excellent grip on the rock and are very durable.
Shop on: Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Reeloq Smartphone Securing System
If you want to be able to take great photos on a via ferrata and not worry about losing your phone, Reeloq is the best tool for it. It’s a smartphone securing system, that will allow you to use your phone on any of your adventures. This has been a great addition to my tool arsenal. When you order Reeloq through my link you will receive 10% discount.
Shop on: REELOQ (Europe only)
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If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
Hi – my partner plan to visit the dolomites in july. we are interested in 2 seperate days via feretta – if you could pick 2 within close proximity what ones would you pick and where would be the best base? can’t wait!
Hi Danielle. Check out my other post about via ferratas in Cortina D’Ampezzo. It’s a great place to stay and try some ferratas. Otherwise I also recommend Val Pusteria and Sesto and San Candido. I have a post about best places to visit/stay in the Dolomites where I talk about what ferratas you can do in each area.
Hi Marta,
I plan to go for a 3-days stay in the dolomites with 4 other people.
We all are via ferrata beginners.
I would like to know which is the best place to organise 2-3 days of different via ferrata from the same rifugio, to only have a very small back pack with us and sleep in the same refugio ?
Knowing that I only want easy ones 😬
Any other options than refugio Locatelli ?
What would you recommend ?
Thank you for your amazing articles
🙏
Chris
Hi Chris. Thanks for visiting. It’s a tough question tbh because there is usually just one max two via ferratas next to a refuge. There are a couple of suggestions I would have. One is to stay in Rifugio Zsigmundy Comici which lies on the Croda Fiscalina Circuit or Rifugio Carducci. Starting from either you can do via ferrata Strada Degli Alpini. Though it’s a one-way ferrata you can do it in and back the same way from either of the above-mentioned huts. The second ferrrata you can do there is via ferrata Severino Casara which is a circuit around Croda dei Toni. For that one it would be best to stay in Carducci but Zsigmundy is fine too. I haven’t done that one yet but it’s on my list for my next summer visit. The third ferrats would then be either Innerkofler or Torre di Toblin (rifugio Zsigmundy is around 2 hour walk from either of those ferratas and from rifugio Locatelli).
Another I would recommend for you to consider is Rosengarten Traverse. You could start from Koelner Hut to Rifugio Alberto Primero along via ferrata Passo Santner then Primero to Rifugio Passo Principe and then extension via ferrata catinaccio. Then third day passo principe to Alpe di Tires and do the extension via ferrata Sentiero Massimiliano. Only one ferrata would be done with full backpacks, the other two you could do with light load after leaving your stuff in the huts.
Let me know if that helps and if you have any more questions!
Thank you so much Marta. So helpful , thanks for this amazing site 🤩
No worries!
Hi Marta – your blogs are so helpful, thank you! Do you know of any companies that do guided one day via ferratas? This will be our first time with our teenage children to the Dolomites and would love to try a beginner route but I am not comfortable on our own!
Hi Rebecca. Thanks for visiting and for your great feedback. I understand if you are not comfortable. There are definitely some companies who do guided tours for example guide Dolomiti in Cortina D’Ampezzo. I haven’t used them myself but they seem to have great reviews on google. Let me know if I can help you any further!
Hi Marta!
I’m so happy to have found your website. Awesome work! In case I cannot find the info anywhere, where is the best place to rent gear for one day? Also, do you have a favorite campground near one of your favorite Ferratas? Thanks!
Hi Kevin!! Thanks for stopping by. To be honest with you I wasn’t very impressed with the campgrounds in the Dolomites. I found them very busy and campervans were too close to one another. The campground in Siusi was super luxurious, but unless you plan on doing the Rosengarten traverse then it isn’t very practical to stay at. I always recommend my readers to stay in the mountain huts. It’s the best value for money accommodation in the Dolomites! As for rental gear, it highly depends on where you will be doing the ferratas. I have a whole article about via ferratas in Cortina D’Ampezzo which is a convenient place for renting or buying gear. Let me know if I can help further!
By any chance, do you have or know of a map with via ferratas + difficulty for the Alta Via 2? I am curious how difficult the via ferratas are on that route.
Hi Greg! Yes, Tabacco and Kompass make maps with via ferratas marked on them. As for Alta Via 2 head over to my guide for Alta Via 2 which will tell you which maps to get. I hope this answers your questions. Let me know if it does!
Very informative website.
My question is: are the via ferratas circular? i mean from where you start, you finish? or do you finish away from where you started?
Hi Joe,
Thanks for stopping by. This really depends on the route but you can check individual articles I have for via ferratas to see if it’s a loop or out and back the same way. Some or loops some aren’t/
Thank you so much for all this great info! I have based my trip mostly on your suggestions but have a few questions:
1. I know we cant rent via Ferrata gear from Cortina D’Ampezzo but I am planning to start on the Ouest side and finish in Cortina D’Ampezzo, do you know of where else I would be able to rent out via Ferrata gears ? And would I have to return them on the same day..
Here is where I am planning to be: 6 days
Val di Fassa (Vajolet towers) -> Val Gardena -> Seceda -> Tre Cime di lavaredo -> Cinque Torri -> Cortina D’Ampezza..
2. My second question is around transportation from one place to another, is it easy to find buses or what is the best way to go from one place to another ? (I know if I am starting in Cortina there is the tourist info center but since I am starting on the other side, I was wondering).
Any tips that you can give me would be appreciated 🙂
Thank you!!
Yara
Hi Yara,
Thanks for visiting my site. If you are planning to do 6 days of via ferratas then do consider buying the gear. The total set will set you back around 150-200 euros, 6 days rent will be around 150 euros. It’s just not cost-efficient to rent it. Secondly, I don’t know of any places that would allow you to rent it in one town and return it to another one.
Public transport is relatively good in the Dolomites and most towns are connected with one another through buses. You can check the Sued Tirol Mobil up and search for bus stops on Google maps, but I am not exactly sure what your plan is. Do you plan on hiking from hut to hut and incorporating all the places that you have enlisted there, or are you going to do each place as a day trip, then return to a town and keep on travelling to the next spot. Whilst buses are pretty good, the issue I’ve got with them is their frequency meaning you really have to be mindful of the times. Another thing is they start relatively late and I always recommend people to do the trips really early in the morning, because in the summer season by midday all peaks tend to be in the clouds, as opposed to glorious bluebird mornings. To start really early though, the only option is to rent a car. Let me know if that helps!