Top 11 'Iron-Path' Dolomite Peaks to travel to in Europe for an Unforgettable Via Ferrata Adventure - Goh Ling Yong
Imagine standing on a narrow ledge, hundreds of meters above a green valley, with a panorama of jagged, pale-grey peaks piercing a brilliant blue sky. Your fingers are wrapped around a cool steel rung, and you’re clipped securely to a cable that guides you upwards along the rock face. This isn't extreme rock climbing; this is via ferrata, the 'iron path' that makes the seemingly impossible accessible to the adventurous hiker.
Born from necessity during World War I, these protected climbing routes were built to help Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers navigate the treacherous Dolomite mountains. Today, these historic pathways of cables, ladders, and suspension bridges have been repurposed for adventure. They offer a unique way to experience the high-altitude world of mountaineering without needing decades of technical climbing skill. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Italy, are the undisputed heartland of this incredible sport.
Whether you're a complete beginner looking for a thrilling new perspective or a seasoned mountaineer seeking a classic alpine challenge, the Dolomites have an iron path for you. To help you plan your next great adventure, we've curated a list of the top 11 via ferrata routes that promise breathtaking views, a touch of history, and an adrenaline rush you won't soon forget.
1. Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina
The Brigata Tridentina is arguably one of the most famous and popular via ferratas in the Dolomites, and for good reason. Located in the Sella Group near the Gardena Pass, it's a perfect intermediate route that packs a punch with varied climbing, sensational exposure, and a grand finale that will leave you breathless. The route ascends the formidable face of the Torre Exner, offering ever-expanding views of the surrounding peaks.
The climb is well-equipped and brilliantly engineered, with a mix of vertical ladder sections, traverses, and straightforward scrambles. While it demands a good head for heights and solid fitness, the real highlight comes at the very end: a stunning, wobbly suspension bridge that spans a deep chasm, leading you directly to the Rifugio Pisciadù. Reaching this mountain hut, perched by a small alpine lake, and rewarding yourself with a cold drink is a quintessential Dolomite experience.
Pro-Tip: This route is extremely popular, especially in August. Start very early in the morning to avoid queues on the ladders and the final bridge. The car park at the base can fill up by 8 AM, so an early bird approach is essential for a smooth day.
2. Via Ferrata delle Trincee
For a journey back in time, look no further than the Via Ferrata delle Trincee. This route traverses the crest of the Padon ridge, directly opposite the mighty Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites. This was a key frontline during WWI, and the entire route is a living museum, taking you past decaying fortifications, through dark tunnels, and along original wartime trenches (trincee).
The adventure begins with a steep, demanding ascent that quickly gains elevation, but the rewards are immediate. As you move along the ridge, you're treated to a constant, jaw-dropping view of the Marmolada glacier. The route involves exposed traverses, a rickety-looking (but perfectly safe!) suspension bridge, and sections that require scrambling through WWI tunnels carved into the mountain. It's a poignant and powerful experience that combines physical challenge with a deep sense of history.
Good to Know: A headlamp is absolutely mandatory for the long, dark tunnel section in the middle of the route. Also, be prepared for variable weather; the ridge is very exposed to the elements.
3. Via Ferrata Averau
If you're looking for the perfect introduction to the world of via ferrata, Averau is your answer. This short, enjoyable, and relatively easy route offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the entire Cortina d'Ampezzo region with minimal commitment. It's an ideal choice for families, first-timers, or as a warm-up day for more experienced climbers.
The climb itself is not long, but it's steep and exciting enough to give you a real taste of the iron path experience. From the summit of Nuvolau, you are rewarded with an iconic 360-degree panorama that includes the Cinque Torri (Five Towers), Tofana di Rozes, and the Marmolada. The nearby Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau are legendary spots for a delicious lunch with a world-class view.
Pro-Tip: Combine this via ferrata with a hike around the base of the Cinque Torri, an open-air museum of restored WWI trenches. It's a fantastic way to spend a full day immersing yourself in the area's beauty and history.
4. Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona
Made famous by the opening scene of the 1993 Sylvester Stallone movie Cliffhanger, the Sentiero Ivano Dibona is less of a vertical climb and more of an epic, high-altitude historical traverse. This route follows the Cristallo ridge, using a staggering amount of ladders and over a kilometer of steel cable to navigate the terrain. Its most iconic feature is the 27-meter-long suspension bridge, the Ponte Cristallo, which is an absolute highlight.
This is a long day out, but the technical difficulty is low. The challenge comes from the length and the exposure. You’ll pass numerous WWI ruins, including old barracks clinging precariously to the cliffs. As someone who appreciates both history and grand landscapes, my friend Goh Ling Yong often talks about how routes like this perfectly capture the spirit of the Dolomites—a blend of human history set against a backdrop of geological grandeur.
Don't Miss: The start of the route is accessed via the Rio Gere - Son Forca - Forcella Staunies lift system. Check its operational status beforehand, as it can be intermittent. The views from the top are simply out of this world.
5. Tofana di Rozes - Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella
For those ready to tackle one of the giants of Cortina, the Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella on Tofana di Rozes is a serious and rewarding undertaking. This is a long, physically demanding, and high-altitude route that requires a full day and a high level of fitness. It’s a true mountaineering adventure that culminates in reaching the summit of a 3,225-meter peak.
The route is famous for its long, dark, and damp WWI tunnel (the Galleria del Castelletto) at the beginning, which was excavated by Italian soldiers to plant a mine under an Austrian position. After emerging from the tunnel, the route continues up the vast western face of the mountain with sustained climbing, exposed ledges, and unforgettable views. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit cross is immense.
Good to Know: A headlamp for the initial tunnel is essential. This is a high mountain route; start very early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the Dolomites, and be prepared for cold temperatures even in summer.
6. Paternkofel (De Luca/Innerkofler)
Climbing Paternkofel (Monte Paterno) is like stepping onto a movie set. This via ferrata offers the most famous and photographed view in the Dolomites: a direct, picture-perfect look at the iconic north faces of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen). The route itself is of moderate difficulty, but its main draw is the unparalleled scenery and deep historical context.
The route follows paths used by soldiers, ascending through a series of WWI tunnels and galleries before emerging onto the summit ridge. One of the most magical moments is looking out of a "window" carved in the rock to see the Tre Cime perfectly framed. The exposure on the final ridge can be intimidating for some, but the cable is always there to offer security. It's a bucket-list route for any mountain lover.
Pro-Tip: For the best light and fewer crowds, stay overnight at the nearby Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte). Catching the sunrise or sunset over the Tre Cime from here is a life-changing experience.
7. Marmolada West Ridge (Hans-Seyffert-Weg)
Ascending the "Queen of the Dolomites" via its West Ridge is a true badge of honor for any via ferrata enthusiast. This is a serious, high-altitude alpine climb that should only be attempted by experienced parties with the proper equipment and skills. The route combines a significant glacier crossing with a long, exposed, and physically demanding via ferrata along the summit ridge.
The adventure begins with an ascent of the Marmolada Glacier, requiring crampons, an ice axe, and knowledge of glacier travel. Once on the rock, the via ferrata guides you along the spectacular ridge all the way to the summit of Punta Penia at 3,343 meters, the highest point in the Dolomites. The feeling of standing on top, with a sea of peaks below you, is simply indescribable.
Safety First: This is not a route to be taken lightly. Go with a certified mountain guide unless you have extensive experience in both via ferrata and glacier travel. The weather can change in an instant, and a retreat from the ridge can be difficult.
8. Via Ferrata degli Alleghesi (Civetta)
Considered one of the great classic "iron paths," the Via Ferrata degli Alleghesi is a monumental undertaking. It is a very long, sustained, and demanding vertical climb up the majestic east face of Monte Civetta. This is a route for the fit and experienced, a true test of endurance and mountain sense that rewards with a profound sense of solitude and achievement.
The route involves nearly 1,200 meters of ascent, much of it on exposed and steep terrain. Unlike more modern via ferratas, the cable here is often just for security, requiring you to use natural rock holds for climbing. The environment is wild and remote, and the views from the summit are among the best in the Dolomites. The descent is also long and requires care, making this a massive day out.
Pro-Tip: Many parties break this route into two days by staying overnight at the Rifugio Torrani, located just below the summit. This allows for a more manageable pace and the chance to witness an incredible sunset and sunrise from high on the mountain.
9. Lagazuoi Tunnels
This is one of the most unique experiences in the Dolomites. While not a traditional via ferrata focused on climbing, the Lagazuoi Tunnels route takes you on a historical descent inside the mountain. During WWI, Italian troops excavated a massive network of tunnels to try and dislodge Austrian soldiers from the summit of Lagazuoi. Today, you can explore this subterranean world.
Starting from the top of the Lagazuoi cable car, you descend over 1,000 meters through a series of steep, dark, and dripping tunnels. A steel cable provides security on the steepest sections. It’s an eerie, fascinating, and atmospheric journey. You’ll pass by old command posts and sleeping quarters carved directly into the rock, offering a chilling glimpse into the life of a soldier.
Must-Have Gear: A powerful headlamp and a helmet are non-negotiable. The tunnels are completely dark and the ceilings are low. Wear sturdy boots, as the ground can be wet and slippery.
10. Torri del Sella - Via Ferrata delle Mésules (Piz Selva)
For a taste of old-school, challenging via ferrata, look no further than the Mésules route in the Sella Group. Established in 1912, it is one of the oldest iron paths in the Dolomites and remains one of the most respected. It’s a steep, athletic, and consistently exposed climb that offers a pure and thrilling mountain experience.
The route starts with a challenging vertical crack system that demands good upper body strength. It continues relentlessly up the face with fewer ladders and rungs than more modern routes, forcing you to rely on your climbing ability. The reward is a breathtaking position high on the Sella plateau, a unique lunar-like landscape. I'd recommend this only to confident climbers, but for those who are ready, it's a route that even a seasoned adventurer like Goh Ling Yong would find immensely satisfying.
Good to Know: The initial section is the crux. If you find the first 100 meters manageable, you should be fine for the rest of the route. The descent off the Sella plateau also requires careful navigation.
11. Via Ferrata Tomaselli (Cima Fanis Sud)
Often cited by connoisseurs as one of the most beautiful and exhilarating via ferratas in the Dolomites, the Tomaselli is a masterpiece of exposure and elegant climbing on superb rock. Located on the southern peak of Cima Fanis, this route is short but extremely steep, technical, and exposed from the first meter to the last. It is strictly for experienced via ferrata climbers with a very good head for heights.
The route follows a series of vertical walls, airy traverses, and exposed ridges. The rock quality is excellent, and the climbing is engaging and athletic. The feeling of being suspended high above the Falzarego Pass, with 360-degree views of the surrounding massifs, is unforgettable. Despite its difficulty, the route is perfectly secured, making it a thrilling but safe challenge for those with the requisite skills.
Safety First: This is a serious and difficult route (rated 5/5 or D/E). Do not underestimate it. The descent via the normal route also includes some tricky, exposed sections that require concentration.
Your Dolomite Adventure Awaits
The Dolomites offer a lifetime of adventure, and the via ferrata routes are the key to unlocking the region's most spectacular secrets. From historical tunnel systems to breathtaking summit ridges, each iron path tells a story and provides a unique challenge. They are a testament to human ingenuity and a celebration of the raw power of the mountains.
So, pack your helmet, harness, and sense of adventure. Whether you start with an easy classic like Averau or set your sights on a giant like Civetta, the iron paths are waiting.
What are your favorite via ferrata routes? Do you have any questions about planning a trip to the Dolomites? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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