Oh, Yes, You Can: 6 Breathtaking Via Ferratas for Every Type of Adventurer
Little Cir Via Ferrata, Dolomite Mountains, Italy
Best For: Travelers who want to try multiple routes in the via ferrata motherland
There's no better place to try a via ferrata than in its birthplace. The roots of via ferratas come from World War I, when climbing routes were strategically created by the Italian army as a way to evade attacks and traverse jagged peaks in the Dolomite Mountains. Over the decades, these paths were reinforced with metal rungs, and today they're used for recreation and sport.
In the Dolomites alone, there are over 600 via ferratas. I tried one of the popular and more beginner-friendly ascents this summer, Piccola Cir . While the 2.3-mile loop trail is relatively short for the Dolomites, it's still a challenge at spots because of its sheer height alone.
The reward? Totally worth it. When you reach the top at 8,504 feet, a sweeping 360-degree view of the Dolomites awaits you: the Sella massif and the entire Val Gardena valley stretches out below. I also loved seeing the summer panorama of the famous Sassolungo peak, which I skied down earlier this year.
More Adventures Nearby: Dolomite Mountains , a four-seasons adventure company, offers guided, multi-day via ferrata trips featuring some of the most classic routes in the range (from roughly $1,400, depending on duration and number of people in your group). The company also offers multi-sport trips mixing via ferratas with hiking and biking (prices vary).
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