As a rule I believe that the more effort you are willing to put into a hike or climb, the more rewarding the views will be. But as with every rule, there is always an exception.
In the via ferrata World of the Italian Dolomites, it doesn’t get easier than Gran Cir.
However easy doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it! On the contrary, the views from the top will stick with you for a long long time.
Via ferrata Gran Cir The Stats
Time required: 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: ca. 470 m / 1540 ft
Route difficulty: beginner
Getting to Passo Gardena
The Gardena mountain pass, where the via ferrata Gran Cir begins, connects two famous valleys in the Dolomites: Val Badia and Val Gardena. The nearest towns to Passo Gardena is Corvara in Val Badia and Selva di Val Gardena. Each one lies only 20 minutes away by car.
There is an ample parking area right near rifugio Frara, near the top of the pass, but it does fill up quickly in the peak season (July and August) and on the weekends. The earlier you get there the better.
In the summer season there are public buses running a few times daily between both towns and Passo Gardena. If you are planning to use the public transport I recommend visiting the nearest tourist info centre to find out the schedule as it changes seasonally.
Shop My Via Ferrata Gear
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
To protect your head from any potential rockfall set off by climbing groups above you, or any other head injuries.
Black Diamond Momentum Harness
Aim for a lightweight harness, which will be comfy to wear between the cable protected sections when you are hiking.
Black Diamond Crag Gloves
When you haul yourself on a cable for half a day your hands will quickly become blistered. My advice is to go for full fingered gloves.
Camp Kinetic Rewind Pro Via Ferrata Lanyard
Developed specifically for via ferrata scrambling, the lanyard provides shock absorption in case of a fall.
Gran cir summit – the route summary
The top of Gran Cir is clearly visible from Passo Gardena. If you squint your eyes you can even see the cross on top of it. To reach it from the parking lot you have to first follow path nr 2. Eventually you will come across signs pointing to Gran Cir.
As per usual, the routes in the Dolomites are always very well marked and as long as you stick to the path, it’s impossible to get lost.
After around 15 minutes of gentle incline you will reach a scree gully. Follow the path up the left side of the gully until you reach the cables. The wire section on this route is very short. The exposure isn’t too bad and I have seen plenty of people not even wearing harnesses and helmets.
However I am a strong believer that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I have already experienced a terrible accident in the mountains once and I am in no rush to repeat it.
The route zig zags up the mountain. Irrespective of the switchbacks, it’s still a relatively sharp incline and you will gain elevation quickly. The jagged peaks of the Sella mountain group on the other side of Passo Gardena will be clearly visible the whole time.
It only takes around 45 minutes from the gully all the way to the top, even less if you are in the top shape! Once at the summit, expect other hikers. This is a popular sunrise and sunset spot amongst the locals.
The giant cross adorning the summit is a good reminder of the strong presence of the Catholic church in Italian society. They are on every bloody summit! I always think that their role is to remind you, that if you are not careful, you will meet Jesus sooner than expected.
The summit views are jaw dropping. Far to the East you can see Mount Antelao (photo above left) and Mount Pelmo (photo above right). Both are famous 3000 metre peaks in the Dolomites.
To the South stretches the massive Sella group with its highest summit – Piz Boe. I am planing to climb it in the upcoming summer.
West is the famous Sassolungo, a beloved subject for photographers. Through the middle of it runs another popular via ferrata – Oskar Schuster.
To descend from the summit just follow the same route. The way down is usually faster and within an hour you should be back at Passo gardena.
Make sure to pop into rifugio Jimmy for a tasty cup of Italian cappuccino, warm apple strudel and a rest on one of their awesome bean bags out on the terrace! You’ve earned it!
Do you have any questions about this via ferrata? Post them in the comments below and I will be happy to answer! Check out my Italian Dolomites Guide for more inspiration for your trip!
Hi Marta did you slept in the top of gran cir for whatching Sunset and sunrise or you went in diferent days?
Hi There. No it takes 60-90 minutes to go to the top from the trailhead so no need to drag a tent up there. 🙂
Hi! I really want to do this ferrata, but It would be my first ferrata. Is this something where I can easily rent the equipment and do this “easy” feratta on my own? Or do I need to go with a guide? I am an experienced hiker, I am just new to the feratta world. Thanks!
Hi Andrea. Please go to my article titled “beginner’s guide to via ferrata climbing in the Italian Dolomites’. All the answers to the questions you have asked will be in that article 🙂 You can find it in the via ferrata category in my Italian Dolomite’s guide or through the search loop. Let me know if I can help any further.
Hey Katie, How did you hike for how long did you stay around sunset ? And how did you hike early in the morning for sunrise ?
Hi Przemek. I reckon you wanted to ask me. I am Marta btw and also polish 😉 As for your question I do say in the text how long it takes to hike up and down. I stayed around 30 mins on the top for sunset. As for your second question, sorry I didn’t really understand it. Could you rephrase?
W drugim pytaniu chodzi mi o to że ta ostatnia fotka jest o wschodzie słońca i jak przypuszczam ze szczytu Gran Cir tak ? Pytanie brzmi, Czy wchodziliście tam dużo wcześniej przed wstaniem słońca ?
Duzo wczesniej nie, Jak juz mowilam 45 min przed, chyba ze jest sie wolnym to wtedy trzeba sobie dac troche wiecej czasu 🙂
Hi Marta, would the local buses take you directly to the parking lot/trailhead to start the hike?
Hi Katie, It really depends, but if you plan on Doing VF Gran Cir then the bus stops directly on Passo Gardena, where you can start the hike! I hope that helps!