The summit of Croda Rossa in the Tre Cime Nature Park was the site of fierce fighting during World War I between Austro-Hungarian and Italian troops. Even today, after over 100 years, those attempting the via ferrata combo of Croda Rossa and Zandonella will encounter many artefacts from that time.
Total distance (incl. approach)
11.5 kilometres / 7.1 miles
Elevation gain
1080 meters / 3534 feet
Difficulty
Beginner (B) + Intermediate (C)
Time required
5-7 hours
Overview of the via ferrata
The summit of Croda Rossa can be reached via two via ferratas: Croda Rossa and Zandonella. They can be tackled together (one going up, the other going down) or separately. The scrambling difficulty on Croda Rossa is B. Via ferrata Zandonella is slightly more difficult, at C.
TIP: If you want to make the route easier, stick only to the Via Ferrata Croda Rossa to the summit, then return the same way.
The map of the via ferrata
Important info about the via ferrata
To tackle the via ferrata Croda Rossa & Zandonella, you will need stable weather and snow-free conditions. Snow lingers in the gullies well into late June, so don’t go earlier than that. Also, remember the afternoon storms that often occur in July. Your best chance for a full day of sunshine and dry weather is in September. That’s when I did this route.
When to go: July – first week of October
Exposition: Croda Rossa northwest, Zandonella east
Trail numbers: 100, 101
Highest point: 2965 meters / 9727 feet
Getting there and back
Fiscalina Valley has excellent public transport connections during the summer season. You can also reach the trailhead by car, but be aware of seasonal travel restrictions on this road. You will also need to take the Croda Rossa gondola (Kabinenbahn Rotwand) to reach the trailhead.
By bus
Bus no. 440 or 446 runs at regular intervals, starting in Dobiacco and passing through Sesto and Moos. The bus stop where you have to get off is called Kabinenbahn Rotwand. The halt is named after the gondola station next to it.
By car
Reaching Val Fiscalina by private car during the peak summer season is restricted. For more info, visit the official tourism board website.
TIP: The route ends at Passo Monte Croce. To get back to the start, take bus no. 446. Look for connections on the Süd Tirol Mobil Info website. Type in Moso (Sesto), Passo Monte Croce as departure point and Moos (Sexten), Kabinenbahn Rotwand. The journey takes only 10 minutes.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
There are two huts at the top of the Croda Rossa Gondola: Rifugio Rudi and Rifugio Prati Di Croda Rossa. They also have restaurants on site, where you can have a meal after completing the route.
There are no other huts or restaurants directly on the route, so make sure to pack enough food and water. If you would like to split the route and include an overnight stay at the hut, you can book a night at Rifugio Berti. It lies approximately 30 minutes off-trail, and I marked it on the map.
TIP: Via Ferratas Croda Rossa and Zandonella feature on my 4-day hut-to-hut trek around Monte Popera. If you want to challenge yourself, consider hiking this multiday route.
Where to stay nearby
The nearest towns to the trailhead are Moso, Sesto & San Candido. The latter is located in the Puster Valley, a great starting point for many hikes and via ferratas.
Best Value
Basic, self-contained alpine apartments in the centre of Sesto are within walking distance of many local restaurants.
Top Rated
Cabin-like apartments with balconies overlooking the Sextener Dolomites. Access to a Sauna is a great bonus.
