Vie ferrate in South Tyrol

In South Tyrol there are over 30 vie ferrate, which, with their vertical rock faces, deep rocky crevasses, distinctive peaks and ridges, are just waiting to be discovered. Lots of farms in South Tyrol make ideal bases for those setting out on fantastic via ferrata tours thanks to their unique locations.

The literal translation of via ferrata is ‚iron path’, which still reflects the character of the modern-day via ferrata - a climbing route featuring a series of fixed wire cables, stempels and ladders, usually made of iron.

Years back, ladders and cables were used by mountain farmers to get between farms or villages and to make high altitude pastures in places that were not easily accessible. It took a lot of effort to construct these paths, which were mostly composed of wooden parts, and are the precursors of the present-day vie ferrate in South Tyrol. Many vie ferrate, especially in the Dolomites, came into being during the First World War in order to provide access paths for military patrols and supplies along the Dolomite front, and still today they stand as reminders of mountain warfare.

In order to do a via ferrata today you will need your own equipment: a via ferrata set (special cables with carabiners), a climbing harness, a helmet, and, of course, a head for heights and sure-footedness. Emergency exit routes are not a feature of all vie ferrate in South Tyrol and the Dolomites.

South Tyrol can boast vie ferrate of all levels of difficulty. The Dolomite via ferrate make up some of the most spectucular vie ferrate in the Alps thanks to their unique backdrop, and you can find adventurous routes to rugged peaks leading through striking mountain landscape – an experience not to be missed for via ferrata fans.

Via ferrate in the Dolomites:
Alpinisteig, Bonacossaweg, Großer Roßzahn, Günther-Messner-Steig, Hochbrunnerschneide, Kesselkogel-Klettersteig, Kleine Cirspitze, Latemartürme-Klettersteig, Laurenzi-Klettersteig, Masaré, Maximilian, Paternkofel, Peitlerkofel, Pisciadù, Pößnecker, Rotwand-Kettersteig, Santnerpass, Sass Rigais, Scalette Weg-Passo Lausa, Schusterplatte, Sextner Rotwand, Toblinger Knoten and more.

Farm holidays near vie ferrate: 

> Holiday flats or rooms on farms in the Dolomites