7 magnificent Italian via ferratas around Lake Garda and in the Dolomites

For advanced climbers: Via Ferrata Delle Aquille (D/E) – serious exposure in Andalo; Via Ferrata Monte Albano (C/D) – a very physical route in Mori.
The most spectacular: Segniora Delle Aqua (C/D) – climbing right beside a waterfall; Forra del Rio Sallagoni (C) – a jungle-feeling route along the canyon floor.
Challenges above the lake: Fregio and Ginestre (D) – a hard, vertical start with Lake Idro views as the prize.
For beginners and families: Sentiero del Colodri (A/B) – an easy, short ferrata in Arco, great for kids from age 6.

If you're just starting out on via ferratas, or you already have a few under your belt and want something new, the Lake Garda area in Italy is an excellent choice — effort, a proper hit of adrenaline, and views that actually stop you in your tracks. In the first two weeks of September we managed several of these routes (some more than once), and I can say without hesitation that this is one of the most beautiful places to do this kind of thing.

Here is my subjective list of 7 magnificent via ferratas around Garda / in the Dolomites that are well worth adding to your trip plan.

1. Via Ferrata Delle Aquille – The Eagle's Path of the Dolomites

Route details:

Difficulty: D (with E variants)
Time (full outing): about 4–5 hours (the climb itself: 2–3 hours)
Location / Parking: Andalo, Paganella 2001 gondola station (cable car 25 EUR/person)
Who it's for: Experienced climbers who can handle serious exposure.

Starting with milk spilled over the summit

On a warm first Saturday of September, at 11:30, we parked in Andalo right by the Paganella 2001 gondola station. Hydration bladders filled, sunscreen on. We bought lift tickets (round trip — 25 Euro a person), kitted up, and rode to 2,125 m above sea level, where — to our surprise — a thick cloud wrapped itself around the summit. Cold enough that we were breathing out 'steam', as if it were a frosty winter day. What a strange feeling.

And that is how the adventure started. Fog, thick as milk, wiped out the views and cut visibility to 100 m. Humidity climbed past 80% and it got cold. We decided to wait it out, ate lunch on the summit, and wondered whether there was any point going onto the ferrata in conditions like that.

An hour passed. It was after 1 p.m. when we decided we would at least walk over and see what the start of the ferrata looked like. At 1:45, harnessed and helmeted, we clipped the first lanyard — and then, as if someone had waved a magic wand, after the first steps on the steel cable the thick cloud peeled away and a stunning exposure opened in front of us. One of those moments that remind you how small a person is against the mountains.

A siren among via ferratas

Sirens — in mythology they stand for beauty and allure, and at the same time they are treacherous and demand vigilance. That is exactly what Via Ferrata Delle Aquille was: beautiful, and deceptive. A D grade with E variants only captures part of the challenge this ferrata hides. It offers exposed sections that, like a siren's song, tempt you to take them on: hanging bridges, ladders twisted into the shape of a DNA chain, a viewing bench with staggering views, a pendulum, and stretches along narrow rock ledges. It is as demanding physically as it is mentally, especially because of the big exposure, which can strip away your confidence.

There was no shortage of drama — even a rescue moment — when we had to help another climber who had got stuck on the rock after the popular pendulum.

The crossing of this "siren" usually takes 2–3 hours, depending on experience and pace. The whole outing, with the approach and the descent, takes about 4–5 hours. That time can stretch, especially once you add the gondola from Andalo up to the Paganella summit and the walk to the start of the ferrata. And of course… when someone, like us, gets enchanted by the place and loses track of time, risking the last gondola down.

In Wonderland — or how we lost track of time on the ferrata

The via ferrata itself gave us plenty of emotion, but the adrenaline did not stop there. Because it was empty — we were practically alone the whole way — we let ourselves mess around a bit. At the pendulum we played like kids on a jungle gym, on the beautiful viewing bench we just sat and stared, on the bridges we tested our balance. Time stopped existing, and reality went a little surreal.

And well… we lost track of time. When it finally sank in that we probably would not make the gondola down, we snapped into it and set a brutal pace. We did not expect that behind those twisted ladders, a bit like a plot twist in Wonderland, a long, hard wall still waited — going up. That is where I got stuck for a moment, feeling doubt freeze my movements — a flicker of hesitation — can I actually get through this section?

Consequences and a furry creature

After coming off the ferrata we had barely fifteen minutes to the last gondola. Deep down, I think each of us already knew we would not make it. Still, we did not give up — we ran, breathless, wrecked from the climb, but we ran uphill. Hearts hammering. For nothing. When we reached the station we found only emptiness. Nobody there. Everything locked. Silence. We had missed it by just 20 minutes… Late, we had to swallow the prospect of 9 painful kilometers of descent.

After taking that unexpected "prize" on the chin, we headed down — and then he appeared on the path: a small, furry bear cub. And oh mama… What usually comes with small bear cubs? Yes, exactly — a big, watchful mother, ready to defend her young. Our hearts stopped. The fact that I am writing this today is a sign that mama bear, luckily, decided to ignore us. But the sight of that little furball turned the descent into a tense expedition. Along the way we passed other signs they were around — tracks in the dirt, droppings, scrapes on trees. We whistled, trying to scare off whoever might be living in that forest, and I clenched a knife in my hand, even though I knew it was only symbolic protection.

When we finally reached the bottom, it was getting dark. And when we finally climbed into the car, standing alone on an empty parking lot, it was already night.

Delle Aquille — beautiful and deceptive, like a siren calling from open water, like Wonderland full of surprises and tests. An incredible via ferrata, and I will not forget the adventures on it. I recommend it with all my heart, though in my memory it will always sit with a shiver of delight… and a note of dread.

PS. The next morning we told our Airbnb host about meeting the furball. He admitted that a month earlier a bear had attacked a runner here, a kilometer from the house, during a morning jog. Another woman was greeted by a bear when she drove into her yard late at night — she was in the car, so nothing happened. Apparently there had been a hunt and they shot one bear. And in the area there is a big argument going on about killing animals and the missing warning signs.

2. Via Ferrata Segniora Delle Aqua – Climbing the waterfall

Route details:

Difficulty: C/D
Time (full outing): about 2.5 hours (the climb itself: 1 hour)
Elevation gain: about 150 meters
Location / Parking: Ballino (paid parking with a bar and toilets)
Who it's for: Intermediate and advanced climbers looking for a unique atmosphere.

Via Ferrata Signora delle Acque sits near the Rio Ruzza waterfall, close to the village of Ballino in Trentino, Italy. The route is famous for its views, especially thanks to the waterfall, which gives the climb an incredible atmosphere. It was finished in 2019 and mixes vertical rock climbing with crossings on hanging bridges.

The ferrata is graded C/D, which means it has demanding sections and is not recommended for beginners. Just getting there takes work, because the path climbs through steep forest for about 20 minutes. The reward is worth it — climbing alongside the waterfall is unforgettable. Water stays with you at every step, and the force of it literally vibrates in the air.

The route includes a vertical ascent, several bridges, and steps carved into the rock, so it keeps you switched on. The whole outing takes about 2.5 hours, including the approach and the descent, with about 1 hour of actual climbing. Total vertical gain is around 150 meters.

Access starts in Ballino, where paid parking is the jumping-off point — there is also a toilet and a bar. The route is known for mixing natural beauty with technical climbing, including a spectacular crossing on a Tibetan bridge hanging more than 100 meters above the ground, which makes it a popular spot for experienced climbers looking for a proper adrenaline hit.

3 and 4. Via Ferratas: Fregio and Ginestre

Route details:

Difficulty: D (needs a lot of arm strength)
Location / Parking: Around Lake Idro
Who it's for: Advanced climbers who are not afraid of overhangs and exposure.

Even for more advanced climbers, this ferrata will be a challenge. From the first moves it asks for strength and confidence, and that hard D-graded overhang at the start can make you wonder whether you made the right call.

Via Ferrata Fregio and its companion Via Ferrata Ginestre sit near Lake Idro in Italy. It begins with a steep, demanding vertical section that needs real arm strength.

The next hard section is a D-graded traverse that needs arm strength and no fear of heights, and after that a hanging rope bridge. The climb gives you incredible views of the lake — which you can jump into once you are off the route.

5. Via Ferrata Forra del Rio Sallagoni – Through the gorge into the jungle

Route details:

Difficulty: C
Time (full outing): about 2 hours (approach 15 min, climb 1h 15 min, descent 30 min)
Location / Parking: Drena Castle (Lake Garda area)
Who it's for: Intermediate climbers; a great route for hot days.

Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni is a beautiful, unusual ferrata that runs through a canyon near Drena Castle in the Lake Garda area. The route is known for an exciting journey along the gorge, where you move between rock walls above a cooling stream. Because it sits in a canyon, it is a brilliant place on hot summer days.

The ferrata is graded C, so it is moderately advanced and suits people who already have some climbing experience. It is 200 meters long, and the whole outing, including the approach and the descent, takes about 2 hours (15 minutes of approach, 1 hour and 15 minutes on the ferrata, 30 minutes of descent). There are a few exciting sections, including two hanging rope bridges and slightly overhanging stretches that add spice and adrenaline.

A bit like the jungle from "Uncharted"

Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni feels like walking through a wild jungle. Dense plants, high canyon walls all around, and waterfalls build an atmosphere like a tropical forest. On the climb you feel as if you are threading undiscovered corners of nature, moving among rocks, narrow passages, and bridges hanging over the stream.

If you are a fan of video games like Uncharted on PlayStation, this via ferrata drops you into a similar kind of adventure. Rock walls, waterfalls, and natural obstacles keep the excitement up, a bit like exploring ancient ruins in the game.

6. Monte Albano – Power ladders

Route details:

Difficulty: C/D
Time (full outing): about 2 hours (approach 30 min, descent 1 hour)
Elevation gain: about 450 meters
Location / Parking: Mori (parking by the school on Via Giovanni XXIII)
Who it's for: Experienced, very fit climbers only.

Via Ferrata Monte Albano, also known as Via Ferrata Ottorino Marangoni, is one of the most spectacular and demanding climbing routes around Lake Garda. It was built in 1976, and after a renovation in 2014 it still offers a proper challenge for experienced climbers. The ferrata is graded C/D, with about 450 meters of elevation gain. The walls are quite slippery, which adds difficulty, especially on the vertical and exposed sections.

This ferrata is not for beginners, and the first part of the route, without protection, is there to put off anyone who is not properly prepared. You can also read warning signs that say if you already struggled at this stage, you had better turn around.

Later the route goes through a series of chimneys, traverses, and vertical walls that need real strength and technical skill. Monte Albano offers stunning views of the area, and thanks to its southern aspect you can climb it almost year-round.

The total time needed for this ferrata is about 2 hours, including 30 minutes of approach and an hour of descent. The route starts in the town of Mori, and access is signed from the town center. Parking is in Mori, near the school (Via Giovanni XXIII) or on nearby streets.

7. Via Ferrata Sentiero del Colodri – Easy, but a looker

Route details:

Difficulty: A/B (very easy)
Time (full outing): about 3 hours
Location / Parking: Arco
Who it's for: Beginners and families with children (from age 6).

Via Ferrata Sentiero del Colodri is one of the easier, more family-friendly ferratas around Lake Garda, ideal for beginners and children (recommended from age 6). It starts in Arco, where we had our Airbnb, and climbs the wall of Monte Colodri. There are a few very easy climbing sections. The whole walk takes about 3 hours and gives you beautiful views of the surrounding area.

The route ends on the summit of Monte Colodri, from where you can return to Arco on an exciting path. It is a great chance for anyone who wants to meet via ferratas in a safe, approachable way. One of the nicer surprises on the summit of Monte Colodri is the wild goats, which add charm to the outing and make it a special experience for anyone who loves nature.

Beyond the ferratas

The Lake Garda area offers a lot more. There are plenty of other attractions — beautiful beaches, bike paths, romantic alleys, excellent restaurants (and in some of them a menu item that says "Hawaiian pizza for 100 Euros" with the line "Say NO to pineapples on pizza!").

A curious detail

The two photos below are the same waterfall — the first is before the downpour: gentle, turquoise, you could bathe in it; the second is after the downpour — one waterfall became two, so strong we did not want to get any closer.