Guide To The Via Ferrata Strada Degli Alpini In The Tre Cime National Park In The Italian Dolomites

After spending a significant amount of time in the heart of the famous Tre Cime National Park in the Italian Dolomites I felt compelled to explore its other corners, especially the eastern one. 

Home to the distinct peak Croda Dei Toni (Zwölferkofel) and a few famous via ferrata routes, there is one that grabbed my attention in particular. I found it thanks to the photos I saw online – Strada Degli Alpini. 

Via Ferrata Strada Degli Alpini is an incredible traverse underneath the western slopes of Cima Undici. The route is characterized by a long approach, a technically straightforward via ferrata (albeit with lots of cable time), and jaw-dropping vistas of Croda Dei Toni accompanying you most of the way. 

Via ferrata Strada Degli Alpini is one of my favorite beginner via ferratas in the Dolomites and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves dramatic views!

Via Ferrata Strada Degli Alpini – The Stats:

  • Distance: 22 km / 13.5 mi
  • Time required: 8-10 h
  • Elevation gain: 1460 m / 4790 ft
  • Route difficulty: beginner
Val Fiscalina in the Tre Cime National Park - the begin of the approach to rifugio Comici. Guide to via ferrata Strada Degli Alpini
Val Fiscalina – the beginning of the approach to rifugio Comici

Via Ferrata Strada Degli Alpini – The Approach

This article describes the loop going counterclockwise from Hotel Dolomitenhof located 5km south of Sesto (Sexten) the nearest town.

There is a decent-sized paid parking lot (Parkplatz Fischleinbodenhuette) right next to the hotel. The fee is 8 Euros/day and at the time of doing my research (2023), it could only be paid in cash. 

Since it’s quite a long route there is a possibility to break it up with an overnight stay in either of these three rifugios: Rifugio Comici (Zsigmondyhütte), Rifugio Pian di Cengia (Büllelejochhütte) or Rifugio Carducci.

The last two require a slight detour from the official route. To better visualize it I highly recommend purchasing the Tabacco Map nr 10. A map or a GPS is something you should always have with you when heading out into the mountains. 

Accommodation in Sesto (SEXTEN)

Sesto (also known as Sexten in German) is a small town in the province of South Tyrol in Northern Italy. It’s a great place for exploring some of the wonders of Tre Cime National Park and is only 20 minutes away from the famous Lago di Braies.

Budget

Caravan Park Sexten

Luxury 

Hotel Monika 

Croda Dei Toni peak (Zwölferkofel), enroute to rifugio Comici in the Tre Cime National Park in the Italian Dolomites
First glimpses of Croda Dei Toni
rifugio Comici
The scree slope leading Lhago di Ghiacciato

Via Ferrata Strada Degli Alpini: Route Description

The route starts as a flat jaunt on path nr 102 alongside picturesque fields of wildflowers with scattered horses. In approximately 30 minutes, shortly after passing rifugio Fondavalle (Talschlusshütte) the path forks. 

Bear left onto path 103, following the signs for rifugio Comici (Zsigmondsyhütte).

Now as you begin to gain elevation via a series of switchbacks, with intermittent protection from the elements, the views back north into the Fiscalina Valley become more prominent and the views in your direction of travel (south) grow in grandeur as the twelve jagged peaks of Croda Dei Toni (Zwölferkofel) become ever closer.

Hiking towards the cable section on the via ferrata Strada Degli Alpini
The eastern slopes of Cima undici in the Tre Cime National Park
Snow remaining on eastern slopes of Cima Undici in mid July. Via ferrata Strada Degli Alpini
Snow remaining in mid-July

This part of the route is arguably the toughest as it’s where the majority of the elevation is gained. After roughly 3 hours, you will arrive at Rifugio Comici (Zsigmondsyhuette), a great place for a longer rest.

The route then continues uphill on a nondemanding scree slope directly underneath Croda Dei Toni until a quick pass around the left side of Lago di Ghiacciato (Eissee) and over the La Lista hump, you’ll soon be at the start of the cable protection.

The start of the via ferrata is roughly 4 hours from the car park hence why staying in one of the many higher altitude refuges is advised.

The begin of the cable protected ledges along the via ferrata Strada Degli Alpini  with the dramatic view of Croda Dei Toni (Zwölferkofel) in the background
The beginning of the cable-protected ledges with the dramatic view of Croda Dei Toni (Zwölferkofel) in the background
Croda Dei Toni (Zwölferkofel)
The narrow and steep ledges along the via ferrata

The well-protected route now traverses the western slopes of Cima Undici where the exposure at times is significant but the ‘climbing’ is virtually non-existent.

It’s worth noting that the via ferrata section runs parallel (but the opposite way) to the path you have just walked to reach it. You should be able to see it in the valley below. 

The majority of this trail is more of a protected hike. It passes under impressive overhangs before a short protected glacial traverse brings you to one of the most spectacular viewpoints, The Ledge of Salvation (photo above right).

Another protected short glacial crossing and several spots where snow lingers late into summer are easily passed before the end of the almost 2km stretch of intermittent cable finishes. A series of manageable scree slopes then take you to the highest point of the route, Forcella Undici.

Via ferrata Strada Degli Alpini - Practical Information
Traversing the tiny glacier
the views along the way
More snow

Forcella Undici, isn’t really a Forcella (pass) at all but rather a jot in the ridge that leads up to the peak of Cima Undici (not covered in this article) From here two possible descents are available.

The first is a right turn up to Passo della Sentinella, where more cable protection is provided before a long descent into Vallon di Sentinella. 

This way is often impassable due to the amount of snow and ice at Passo della Sentinella. The alternative is a left turn onto path 124 whereby after a short protected downclimb, the route switchbacks steeply down a scree slope quickly losing the majority of elevation gained during the day. Both options then converge again into path nr 100.

Shortly after converging, the quickest return route branches off left again onto path 124 which takes you back below the tree line emerging just north of Hotel Dolomitenhof and a stone’s throw away from the car park.

I know all this information might be overwhelming, but don’t worry. The entire route is marked with white and red paint marks or red arrows. Nevertheless do pack the Tabacco map nr 10. 

Approaching Forcella Undici along the visa ferrata Strada Degli Alpini in the Tre Cime National Park.
Approaching Forcella Undici
One last view towards Croda Dei Toni
Descending along the scree slopes from Forcella Undici

It’s also possible to follow the route in reverse to what was described in my article, starting the approach from the top of the Rotwandweissen Gondola near Sesto and ending it at the hotel Dolomitenhof, then catching the bus back to Bagni di Moso where the gondola starts.

The advantage of going clockwise is that you will have the views of Croda dei Toni ahead of you when on the ferrata section.

The major downside however is you being tied down to a gondola and bus schedule. Considering that the whole route takes 10 hours to complete it might not leave you enough time to make it back in time for the bus. 

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)

71gKk4U+f2S. AC SL1500

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 basis cable kit special via ferrata set

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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91P0f6XnFML. AC SL1500

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 womens wildfire edge approach shoes detail 6

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

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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Marta
Marta

Hi! I am the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

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