Lake Garda Via Ferrata Guide: Routes, Difficulty Levels & Tips
- jandrzej76
- 3 days ago
- 17 min read
The via ferratas at Lake Garda are among the most beautiful iron roads in Italy. The northern part of Garda, surrounded by the Southern Limestone Alps, offers routes ranging in difficulty from A to D – ideal both for those taking their first steps in climbing and for experienced via ferrata enthusiasts. In June 2023, we took part in an organised via ferrata camp at Lake Garda. Over the course of a week, we completed 5 different routes: from easy paths in the vicinity of Ceniga, through the spectacular Rio Sallagoni gorge, all the way to the demanding Delle Taccole ferrata on Monte Baldo and the spectacular Gerardo Sega with its views over the entire lake. Our base was Riva del Garda – an excellent starting point for all activities in the area. In this post you will find detailed descriptions of each route: difficulty level, time required, how to get there, and our first-hand impressions.
⭐ The Best Via Ferratas at Lake Garda – Which One to Choose?
If you are wondering which via ferrata at Lake Garda to choose, it all depends on your experience and expectations. Below you will find a quick summary of the routes described in this post – this will help you match a ferrata to your level:
• 🟢 For beginners: Via Ferrata Sentiero degli Scaloni and Sentiero dell'Angelone (A/B) – easy, scenic routes ideal for a first encounter with via ferratas.
• 🟡 For intermediate climbers: Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni (C) – a spectacular route running through a gorge, with rope bridges and passages above water.
• 🟠 For various levels (families and training): Parco delle Fucine – a park with 18 ferratas of varying difficulty, excellent for learning and improving technique.
• 🔴 For advanced climbers: Via Ferrata Delle Taccole (D) – a demanding, strength-intensive ferrata high in the Monte Baldo mountains.
• 🌄 Most scenic: Via Ferrata Gerardo Sega (C) – an extraordinarily picturesque route with exposure and views over Lake Garda.
In brief: if you are just starting out – choose Scaloni or Rio Sallagoni. If you already have some experience – try Gerardo Sega. Looking for a real challenge? Delle Taccole is the ferrata for you.
In the sections that follow you will find detailed descriptions of each route: difficulty level, time required, how to get there, and our first-hand impressions.
Contents
3. Parco delle Fucine – Via ferrata park
Our base was an apartment in a two-storey villa called The Bon'Ora, located in the beautiful town of Riva del Garda. The house was surrounded by a beautifully tended garden. Two double rooms and one triple room were available; we occupied the triple.
Riva is the second-largest town on Lake Garda. Simply walking around the old town and taking in at least one viewpoint requires several hours. Its setting is extraordinary – the high mountains and the beauty of the lake's waters are enhanced by colourful architecture and Mediterranean vegetation.
It was possible to reach the location by organised transport from Zakopane or independently. We arrived by car. The adventure began on Sunday evening, when climbing equipment was distributed and Bartek, our guide, outlined the plan for the days ahead. The plans had to remain very flexible, as the weather forecast was predicting storms and rain. The first ferratas were intended to assess our skills and physical fitness, beginning with fairly straightforward routes.
Via Ferrata Sentiero degli Scaloni and Sentiero dell'Angelone – Ferratas for Beginners at Lake Garda (Difficulty A/B)
These two mountain routes – they can hardly be called ferratas in the strict sense – serve, in my view, as an introduction to this type of climbing for beginners and children. They are secured trails with a difficulty rating of A, with certain sections reaching A/B. By completing them, we make a scenic loop along the Coste dell'Angelone hillside, above the villages of Ceniga and Dro.
A heritage trail, the Sentiero alle Cavre, also passes through this area, tracing the lives of the woodcutters and shepherds who once lived on the mountain slopes.
We left our cars in the car park in the town of Ceniga. After crossing to the other side of the road, we entered Via al Ponte, then crossed the bridge over the river (Ponte Romano), and after 20 minutes of walking arrived at the start of the Sentiero degli Scaloni ferrata. There we put on our full ferrata equipment and, after a short briefing, began the ascent.
Unfortunately, it was a rainy day and we were unable to fully appreciate the charms of the forest and stone pathways, metal footbridges, and wooden steps.
On some less exposed sections there was no need to clip onto the steel cables at all. After 40 minutes we reached a wooden box containing a logbook. At this point we had the choice of retracing our steps or continuing in order to descend via the Sentiero dell'Angelone ferrata. We chose the latter option and, along the Percorso alle Cavre trail (a heritage path following an old timber-hauling road), we made our way to a clearing with trees near the Crozolam bivouac shelter. Here one can rest on benches (when it is not raining) and admire the nature and surrounding landscape. It is a very scenic spot. Below stretches the Sarche Valley, and across the way one can see the castle at Dro and a gorge. The clearing features an exhibition of old working tools and a timber-transport structure.
From the clearing we continued along the ridge to a junction with the Sentiero dell'Angelone trail, which we followed downwards. This section took us about an hour. It was a very comfortable path through the trees, requiring little concentration, although the trail was slippery and wet. We walked pleasant traverses, rock ramps, and secured zigzag sections of difficulty A. There were iron staples for safety, primarily at the steps carved into the rock. This marks the end of the path; from here it was a forest track leading to a gravel road and then tarmac. The walk back to the car park takes about 40 minutes.
In summary, both these ferratas are rated A and A/B (very easy and easy). The approach to the first takes approximately 20 minutes. We spent roughly 3 hours on the ferratas in total.
Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni – A Gorge Ferrata Beneath Drena Castle (Difficulty C)
Fairly tired and hungry, we took a short break and set off on our next route: Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni. This is an interesting option for climbers at every level. Its difficulty is rated C. It runs along the walls of a gorge beneath Castello di Drena castle.
The car park is located close to the entrance, which is why everyone puts on their harness immediately upon leaving the car. After about 15 minutes' walk along the edge of an olive grove, we reached the gorge beneath the castle and from there the start of our route. The first part of the ferrata followed the rock walls of a narrow canyon, then its picturesque floor.
During the walk we crossed the stream running along the canyon floor several times and negotiated two rope bridges suspended above waterfalls. The second part led along the floor of the narrow canyon, where we moved over slippery boulders using iron staples mounted just above the water's surface. Apparently the place is usually full of tourists, as it is a very charming and atmospheric spot with moderate technical difficulty – but today, in the pouring rain, there was no one else there apart from us.
After about 20 minutes of traversing the canyon we reached its floor, and at that point the scenery changed dramatically. The gorge widened considerably, revealing a fairytale scene of lush greenery and cascading water.
Having crossed the stream, we climbed steeply upwards for several dozen metres, then crossed above a waterfall on a 15-metre rope bridge.
After a short climb we passed another waterfall, crossed the stream again, and scrambled up very slippery rocks to the next rope bridge.
After that it was a straightforward climbing route, secured with iron staples, leading out of the gorge. The return path ran along vineyards beneath the castle. Just beyond it lies a tarmac road which took us back to the car park.
A beautiful ferrata – on a weekday without rain it is full of tourists. Rated difficulty C. The approach to the start of the route takes approximately 15 minutes; the climbing section took about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the return to the car park around 25 minutes.
Parco delle Fucine – A Via Ferrata Park Near Lake Garda
The following day the weather was fortunately on our side, with stormy forecasts not expected until the afternoon. We had planned to complete several ferratas at Parco delle Fucine.
Located between Val Trompia and Valle Sabbia, Parco delle Fucine di Casto is a magnificent, picturesque place where one can spend entire days surrounded by nature. It is an extraordinary centre for sport and relaxation, offering numerous via ferratas, climbing walls, trekking routes, mountain biking trails, Tibetan bridges, a fantastic canyon formed by rock erosion, zip lines, and walking trails laid out along a ring-shaped circuit totalling 1,700 metres.
The wide variety of difficulty levels and attractions for every taste make Fucine di Casto a true treasure trove of entertainment and sporting activity – all enriched by a heritage trail that allows visitors to observe the remains of an old, abandoned industrial site from the 1930s. Among the well-preserved and visible remnants are six forges, a smelting furnace, and a mill.
The park can easily be reached by car via the road from Casto to Alone. A large, free car park is available.
Parco delle Fucine offers fun and freedom for the whole family: everyone can choose what they wish to do, from the most demanding via ferrata to a stroll along one of the footpaths. One can relax by the lake, alternating moments of rest with the thrill of a zip line overhead, or introduce the youngest members of the family to the world of hiking in the children's area. Right beside the exit there is a refreshment point: Càa delle Stride. Along the route one can rest at the Paradise Refuge shelter, which was unfortunately closed on our visit.
Eighteen different types of via ferrata of varying characteristics and difficulty are available. All are free of charge, open to persons aged 10 and above with a minimum height of 1.30 metres. In addition to technical mountain clothing, protective equipment comprising a helmet, harness, and Y-lanyard with carabiners is required. Equipment may be hired on site at the Corna Za information point.
Ferrata No. 16
We started with a very short and fairly simple route numbered 16. According to the grading system used in this park it was rated F+ (facile, meaning easy – the international equivalent of B).
It had a length of 20 metres and a height difference of 10 metres. A quick and undemanding warm-up.
Ferrata No. 2
More challenging was the next short route, measuring 61 metres in length with a 23-metre height difference. In the park it was numbered 2 and rated as moderate (C). Right at the first steep section there was a small overhang that required a bit of problem-solving – searching for the right line and using some strength.
I had no idea how to get through it; my arms were weakening and I began to panic slightly. I clipped on with a quickdraw to catch my breath for a few seconds, thought it through, and from there it went smoothly. That moment of hesitation cost me a considerable amount of energy. For the rest of the route my arms and legs were trembling with the adrenaline.
Ferrata No. 15
The next ferrata, numbered 15, was our favourite. Rated moderate (C), with a length of 125 metres and a height difference of 23 metres. The route runs parallel to the path leading from the car park to Stretta di Luina. The route is excellently equipped, runs along a gorge, and is interspersed with several rope bridges.
From the car park we followed clear signs which led us to the start of the ferrata in about 15 minutes. We then moved across the rocks and reached a short bridge suspended on two cables, which we crossed to the left side, making use of excellent natural and artificial footholds.
We reached a wooden walkway, from which a few metres higher the route begins a section requiring careful attention due to slippery steps. After descending a few metres we began a long traverse to the right, alternating between easier and more difficult sections; we frequently encountered overhangs that demanded considerable arm strength.
The path continued until it reached a vertical section where the end of the route was already in sight.
The ferrata presented no particular difficulties, though it was sometimes rather slippery and required extra caution. After a few minutes' rest we moved on to the next path, which was effectively connected to ferrata No. 15.
Stretta di Luina
This is a superb horizontal ferrata along which we moved between the walls of a canyon 460 metres in length, 1–2 metres wide, and 30 to 35 metres deep. Below there was nothing but a rushing torrent. It is a canyon carved by water through the rock.
The route, which can be completed in about an hour, is classified as 'easy', meaning it is also suitable for children aged 10 and above.
In practice, there are no dangerous or overly difficult passages, but it does require balance, sustained concentration, and a minimal degree of strength to maintain one's grip on the cables. For this reason, one should assess its suitability according to one's own physical fitness, or that of one's children.
Tibetan Bridge No. 1 (70 m)
The cherry on the cake concluding our visit to this fantastic park was crossing the 70-metre Tibetan bridge.
No more than four people may be on the bridge at one time. Some people enjoy this attraction more than others; it is certainly a considerable challenge for anyone who dislikes open spaces. No special skills or strength are required, and the views are breathtaking. The last person left the bridge to the accompaniment of thunder heralding an approaching storm.
Given the opportunity, I will return to this park. It is fantastically organised and has something for everyone who enjoys active recreation.
Via Ferrata Delle Taccole – The Most Demanding Ferrata on Monte Baldo (Difficulty D)
The most demanding ferrata we had tackled to date (rated D), offering extraordinary climbing experiences – and, unfortunately, left unfinished due to a sudden storm. It is situated high in the mountains, so it is best suited to warm summer days. When the snows on Monte Baldo have retreated and temperatures around Lake Garda are high, conditions at altitude – over 2,000 metres above sea level – are ideal for tackling ferratas. Unless, of course, one encounters a thunderstorm with hail…
The Monte Baldo range borders the Adige Valley and Lake Garda. The summit of the southern section of Baldo can be reached using the Prada Costabella facilities: the two-person gondola lift from Prada to Ortigaretta and the two-person chairlift from Ortigaretta to Costabella.
We left our car in the large car park beneath the cable car (Prada Alta, Brenzone sul Garda). It is open daily from 1 April, between 09:00 and 18:00.
Price: Full return journey (cable car and chairlift) €19. Family return ticket (2 parents + 1 child) €45. Prices are lower for a single direction or a single stage only.
Having reached the upper cable car station, we made our way towards the Rifugio Chierego mountain hut, which can only be reached on foot.
Chierego Refuge is a mountain hut located at one of the most impressive and panoramic points on the Monte Baldo summit.
These areas are celebrated for their biodiversity of fauna and flora and are known as the Garden of Europe. Even while riding the chairlift, which travels relatively close to the ground above the meadow, we were able to observe marmots below.
From the summit one can admire a breathtaking view of Lake Garda, the Alps, and the Po Valley, stretching in its entirety all the way to the Apennines.
From the hut the path traversed a rock ledge. Caution was required on the slippery footholds and due to the exposure.
After about an hour's walking, during which we were able to observe mountain chamois at close range, we reached the pass.
There, beneath the sign indicating the direction of the Delle Taccole ferrata, we put on our climbing equipment. We then made our way via a very steep and unpleasant scree slope to the rock ledge at the ferrata.
The first stage was a vertical chimney, which had to be climbed by bracing one's feet against its right and left walls. Unfortunately it began to rain heavily, making the wet rocks an additional hazard.
When we had all reached the top of the chimney and were standing beneath a 40-metre vertical rock face cut by a wide crack, the rain had set in fully. An approaching storm could be felt. At this point our guide decided that continuing the ascent had become extremely dangerous and directed us back the way we had come. To minimise the risk of accidents, he lowered us all down on a rope.
Climbing back up the steep slope over wet scree used up my remaining energy. The onward journey demanded even more attention, as the narrow rock ledges were flooded with streams of water. We reached the hut just in time, before a massive thunderstorm with hail.
At the hut we rested, ate, and dried our clothes.
After about an hour spent in the admittedly luxurious hut, we decided to take the chairlift back down to the car park. Unfortunately, while descending on the first lift, another storm arrived – again with hail. It drenched us thoroughly, and we had to wait about an hour for the second stage of the descent in the only covered spot available, namely the toilet, which fortunately was heated. We arrived back at the car park exhausted, soaking wet, and hungry.
In summary: Via Ferrata Delle Taccole is rated difficulty D (difficult). The approach time without using the lifts is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. The estimated time for completing the ferrata is 50 minutes. Descent time (without lifts) is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
Via Ferrata Gerardo Sega – The Most Beautiful Ferrata at Lake Garda (Difficulty C)
My finest memories from the via ferratas at Lake Garda are associated with this excursion. Despite its relatively moderate difficulty, this is a route for those who are in good physical condition, have experience, and are comfortable with exposure. It delivers thrills and sensations unlike any other trail.
The best car park to leave one's car is next to the Madonna della Neve chapel, in the area of the Monte Baldo massif. The approach to the ferrata takes about 2 hours, and interestingly, for the first hour we were actually descending through a picturesque, lushly vegetated wild gorge.
Along the way we crossed to the other side of the stream on two stretched metal cables and arrived at the tall and beautiful Preafessa waterfall. There we took a 15-minute break for snacks and photographs beneath the enormous torrents of water flowing from the previous day's storm.
From that point we hiked for another hour through forest on a rising, winding path until we reached a large rocky amphitheatre. A few metres further on, on a rock ledge, lies the entrance to Via Ferrata Gerardo Sega.
We began the climb by ascending a ladder, and after a short traverse we entered one of the more dramatic sections of the route: beneath enormous overhangs looming directly above our heads.
The entire route is a succession of fantastic traverses alternating with climbs over small rock faces and walks through forested terrain. The most spectacular section is a wide rock ledge along which one must walk the entire interior perimeter of the amphitheatre – and this without any safety rope. There is absolutely no possibility of protection, and the exposure is enormous. At the widest point, approximately 4 metres across, we had our second picnic of the day.
While eating, we admired the magnificent views over the Molini Valley.
After leaving this rock ledge we entered the forest and climbed over rocks until we reached the end of the steel safety cable. We arrived at a scenic ridge, thus bringing this fantastic adventure to an end. From the start it took us about 2 hours, including a 20-minute break. The return along a comfortable, wide path – climbing all the way – took approximately 1 hour.
A magnificent route, well worth visiting in summer when temperatures at Lake Garda are high. Here one can find respite from both the sun and the tourist crowds.
I consider the via ferrata trip to Lake Garda a great success. I had a wonderful time. Thanks to our superb guide Bartek, everyone felt looked after and safe on every route. Also tremendously important on trips of this kind is the company one keeps during the climbing and the evening unwinding. We were fortunate to find ourselves among a cohesive group, full of humour and always ready to help. Thank you all!
Via Ferratas at Lake Garda – Overview of 5 Routes
Ferrata | Difficulty | Time | Suitable For |
Sentiero degli Scaloni | A / A–B | approx. 3 h (loop) | Children, beginners |
Rio Sallagoni | C | approx. 1 h 30 min | Intermediate climbers |
Parco delle Fucine | B–D (18 routes) | full day | All levels |
Delle Taccole | D | approx. 50 min | Advanced climbers |
Gerardo Sega | C/D | approx. 2 h | Experienced climbers |
Frequently Asked Questions about Via Ferratas at Lake Garda
What equipment is needed for a via ferrata?
A climbing harness, helmet, and Y-lanyard with energy absorber are essential. Climbing gloves are also recommended. You may bring your own equipment or hire it on site – for example, at Parco delle Fucine at the Corna Za information point.
When is the best time to go via ferrata-ing at Lake Garda?
The best season is June to September. Routes at lower altitudes, such as Rio Sallagoni and Parco delle Fucine, are accessible from spring. Ferratas on Monte Baldo (Delle Taccole, Gerardo Sega) are available only once the snow has cleared, usually from mid-June. Mountain weather can change very rapidly – always check the forecast before setting out.
Are the via ferratas at Lake Garda suitable for beginners?
Yes! The area offers routes ranging from difficulty A (very easy) to D (difficult). Sentiero degli Scaloni and Rio Sallagoni are excellent choices for starters. Parco delle Fucine has 18 ferratas of varying difficulty, including several open to children aged 10 and above. It is advisable to begin with easier routes in order to become comfortable with the equipment and technique.
Is a guide necessary for via ferratas at Garda?
For those without experience – absolutely yes. On more difficult routes such as those on Monte Baldo and Gerardo Sega, a guide is invaluable. A guide knows the current conditions on the route and can make the decision to turn back – in our case, this saved us from a hailstorm on Delle Taccole. We strongly recommend an organised trip for your first few ferratas.
How to get to Lake Garda from Poland?
The most convenient option is by car – from Kraków it is about 8–9 hours' drive. It is also possible to fly to Verona or Bergamo and then hire a car. Riva del Garda is ideally situated as a base – from here you can reach most of the ferratas described in this post within 30–60 minutes.