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Explore the dramatic peaks of northern Italy on a Via Ferrata adventure in the Dolomites, where WWI history meets high-alpine hiking. These fixed-cable routes, originally created by Italian mountain troops, now allow confident hikers to safely traverse vertical rock walls and ridgelines – no climbing experience needed. Each day, enjoy 4 to 6 hours of guided activity, combining alpine trekking and assisted climbing, tailored to the group’s ability. Your local guide selects routes daily, based on weather and trail conditions, so you get the best possible views and terrain. Evenings are spent in a comfortable mountain hotel, where you can unwind with traditional South Tyrolean cuisine and welcoming hospitality. This is one of the most rewarding ways to hike the Dolomites, ideal for active travellers seeking a blend of history, challenge and breath taking alpine scenery. A good level of fitness is essential, along with a sense of adventure and a love for Italy’s wild landscapes.
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23kg of CO2-e PP per day
(138kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Toblach in the Hochpuster Valley and meet guide
On arrival in the Hochpuster Valley you can be picked up from Toblach/Dobbiaco train station and transferred to the hotel, or you can make your own way to the hotel. The hotel is your base for the next 6 nights. At 7.00 pm, you will meet your guide and the rest of the group for a trip briefing. Later there will be a group dinner where you will have the chance to discuss the adventure ahead.
Meals: D
Day 2
Ascend path on the Paternkofel (2744m) then descend through the old war-tunnels to the Three Peaks Hut (4-5hrs)
This morning we transfer to the foot of the first Via Ferrata where the climbing equipment will be distributed. We start with an easy but very interesting climbing path on the Paternkofel (Paterno, 2744m). Some sections of the Via Ferrata verge on the vertical today, however the climb is not long and the views at the summit are well worth the effort. The iconic Tre Cime (Three Peaks), whose walls have inspired climbers for generations, are always in view. Later we descend through the old war tunnels to the Three Peaks Hut before returning to the hotel. Ascent: 300 to 800m/984 to 2624ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Piz da Peres via Ferrata (2508m) (5hrs)
Until the via ferrata was built in 2022, the Piz da Peres was only known to mountain hikers. Only since the iron path was built has this mountain been on the radar of via ferrata climbers. Not only the three interesting climbing sections (with a difficulty rating C/D) including a spectacular rope bridge make this via ferrata so special, but rather the beautiful landscape that surrounds this northern Dolomite peak. On the ascent, you can see from the Sella over the Marmolada to the Tofana in the west. Once you reach the summit, you can admire the Three Peaks to the south-east. A classic Dolomite iron path of modern design on the edge of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. Ascent: 186m/282ft
Day 4
Via ferrata degli Alpini - via ferrata Col de Bois (3-4hrs)
This classic via Ferrata in Cortina is a must! After the approach where you reach the cables to clip onto, prepare for a challenge, climbing vertically for approx. 100m. The hike offers exciting climbing sections and stunning views of the Dolomites as well as many remnants of WWI. Ascent: 500m/1640ft
Day 5
Valparola Pass, Via Ferrata Sottotenente Fusetti and Hexenstein climb (2477m) (4hrs)
This morning after breakfast, we drive to the Valparola Pass. The approach to Via Ferrata Sottotenente Fusetti offers views of the peak of Marmolada, Queen of the Dolomites and leads through historic tunnels from WWl. This via ferrata is very interesting both from a scenic and sporting point of view, but above all from a historical and military point of view, as it follows in the footsteps of a hero of the First World War: It was opened up by two Alpine units in search of the remains of Lieutenant Mario Fusetti, the hero of the Hexenstein who was posthumously awarded the Italian Gold Medal of Military Valor. Ascent: 350m/1150ft
Day 6
Arzalpenturm via ferrata (2371m) (6hrs)
First we will climb the the challenging via Ferrata to Arzalppentrum. The entrance is in a small scree gully where the steel cable begins. The path starts off challenging and then follows a steep rock pillar with fairly even difficulty. After the first part, the path continues in easier terrain until, after a traverse and a steep step we reach the ridge of the Arzalpenturm. The front ran over the Arzalpenkopf during WWI, with bunkers and positions from the past are still visible in the summit area and we may be able to explore an old war tunnel on our descent. Ascent 840m/2760ft
Day 7
Trip concludes
Arrangements conclude after breakfast.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Located in the beautiful Hochpustertal Valley, this centre based itinerary stays 6 nights in a comfortable and charming 3 star mountain hotel. Depending on availability your hotel may have a swimming pool or sauna. In Europe, a twin room is not always associated with having two separated beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe together with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.
The terrain is predominantly alpine, with rugged rocky paths, steep ascents and descents, and exposed sections along via ferrata (fixed rope routes). You will move through dramatic Dolomite landscapes, including narrow ledges, mountain tunnels and high ridgelines, requiring sure-footedness and a head for heights.
GRADE 4 - Anyone undertaking a moderate to challenging trip should be aware of the physical and mental demands involved. This trip is designed for experienced hikers who are seeking a challenge. No previous climbing experience is required to undertake this trip. An above average level of fitness is required as days can involve up to 6 hours of strenuous exercise in rugged terrain. You need to be sure footed and have a head for heights as there are some steep drops close to the paths and Via Ferrata. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable hiking in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times a week. The best exercise for trekking is long bushwalks involving relatively steep ascents and descents. It is also good to have a bit of upper body strength - though the Via Ferrata is mostly only ladders there are sections which are exposed/airy with the need to keep three points of contact. Note - The itinerary is a guide only. The exact route taken each day will be determined by the guide depending on the weather, trail conditions and group members fitness. We have included a estimate of hours of climbing on the day to day itinerary, however the accuracy of this information will depend on group fitness – usually the daily climbs will be from 3-6 hours. The amount of climbing will depend on the group/conditions as there are several options depending on the abilities/desires of the group however most sections, if not all, are steep and at times vertical. For every climb there is a walk in and walk out which may also be strenuous at times.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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7Days
Moderate to Challenging
4Days
Moderate