Magnificent 7 Italian via ferratas around Lake Garda

If you're just starting your adventure with via ferratas or already have some experience and are looking for new thrills, the surroundings of Lake Garda in Italy are an excellent choice for a trip full of emotions, effort, and breathtaking views. During the first two weeks of September, we had the opportunity to traverse several of them (some even more than once), and I can confidently say that this is one of the most beautiful places to practice this type of activity.

Here is my subjective list of 7 magnificent via ferratas around Lake Garda that are definitely worth adding to your list.

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

Starting with spilled milk at the summit

On a warm first Saturday of September at 11:30, we parked our car in the town of Andalo, right next to the Paganella 2001 gondola station. We filled our water bottles, applied UV creams. We bought tickets for the lift (round trip - 25 Euro/person) and united and ready, we rode up to the top at 2125 m above sea level where, to our surprise, we were enveloped by a dense cloud at the summit. So cold that we were breathing out 'steam' from our mouths, as if it were a frosty winter day. What a strange feeling.

And so our adventure began. Fog, thick as milk, completely obscured the views, limiting visibility to 100m, air humidity rose to over 80%, and it became cold. We decided to wait it out and had lunch at the summit, wondering whether it made any sense to go on the via ferrata in such conditions.

An hour passed. It was past 1 PM on the clock when we decided that we would at least go see what the situation looked like at the actual start of the via ferrata. 1:45 PM dressed in harnesses and helmets, we clipped the first rope and then - as if touched by a magic wand - after the first steps on the steel cable, we experienced with disbelief how the dense cloud dispersed, revealing a stunning exposure before us. It was one of those experiences that remind you how small a person is in the face of mountains.

Siren among via ferratas

Sirens - in mythology embodying beauty and attractiveness, but at the same time treacherous and requiring vigilance. Such was Via Ferrata Delle Aquille - beautiful but deceptive. The D rating with E variants only captures part of the challenge this via ferrata holds. It offers exposed sections that, like a siren's song, tempt you to take on the challenge: hanging bridges, ladders twisted in the shape of DNA chains, a viewing bench with stunning views, a pendulum, and sections leading along narrow rock ledges. It is equally demanding physically and mentally, especially due to the high exposure that can take away your confidence.

There was no shortage of emotions - even rescue ones - when we had to help another climber who got stuck on the rock behind the popular pendulum.

The actual traverse of this "siren" usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on experience and pace. The entire excursion, with approach and descent, takes about 4-5 hours. This time can be extended, especially when we add the gondola ride from Andalo to the Paganella summit and the approach to the via ferrata start. And of course... when someone, like us, gets enchanted by the charm of the via ferrata and loses track of time, risking being late for the last gondola descent.

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

Although the via ferrata itself provided us with plenty of emotions, the adrenaline didn't end there. Due to the emptiness - we were practically alone throughout the entire route - we allowed ourselves some fooling around. At the pendulum we played like in a monkey gym, on the beautiful viewing bench we admired the landscape, on the bridges we tested our balance, time ceased to exist, and reality became somewhat surreal.

Well... we lost track of time. When it finally dawned on us that we probably wouldn't make it to the gondola down, we tensed up and set a fierce pace. However, we didn't expect that behind those twisted ladders, a bit like an unexpected plot twist in wonderland, a difficult and long upward wall was waiting for us. That's where I got stuck for a moment, feeling doubt paralyze my movements - a moment of hesitation - would I be able to overcome this section?

Consequences and a furry creature

After descending from the via ferrata, we had barely fifteen minutes to the last gondola run. Deep down, probably each of us knew we wouldn't make it. Nevertheless, we didn't give up - we ran breathless, exhausted from climbing, but we ran uphill. Our hearts pounded in our chests like hammers. Unfortunately, in vain. When we reached the station, we saw only emptiness. No one was there. Everything was closed. Silence. We were short by only 20 minutes... Late, we had to accept the prospect of 9 painful kilometers of descent.

After swallowing the bitterness of this unexpected "reward," we headed down, and then, on our path, he appeared - a small, furry bear cub. And oh mama... What usually accompanies small bear cubs? Yes, exactly - a big, alert mama, ready to defend her young. Our hearts stopped. The fact that I'm writing these words today is a sign that mama bear fortunately decided to ignore us. But the sight of this little furball turned the descent into a tension-filled expedition. On the route we passed other signs of their presence - tracks on the ground, droppings, scratches on trees. We whistled, trying to scare away potential forest inhabitants, and I clutched a knife in my hand, though I knew it was only symbolic protection.

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

Delle Aquille - beautiful and deceptive, like a siren tempting on the sea, like Wonderland full of surprises and challenges. It's an amazing via ferrata whose adventures I will never forget. I wholeheartedly recommend it, though in my memory it will always remain with a thrill 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 ago a bear attacked a jogger here a kilometer from the house during his morning jog. Another woman was greeted by a bear when she was driving into her driveway late at night - she was in the car so nothing happened. Apparently there was a hunt and they shot one bear. And in the area there's a big discussion about killing animals and missing warning signs about danger.

2. Via Ferrata Segniora Delle Aqua – Climbing the waterfall

Via Ferrata Signora delle Acque is located near the Rio Ruzza waterfall, close to the town of Ballino in the Trent region of Italy. The route is famous for its beautiful views, especially thanks to the proximity of the waterfall, which adds an incredible atmosphere to the climb. It was completed in 2019 and offers a combination of vertical rock climbing and passages over suspension bridges.

The via ferrata has a difficulty rating of C/D, which means it contains demanding sections and is not recommended for beginners. Just getting to it requires effort, as the path leads through a steep forest for about 20 minutes. However, the reward is worth the effort - climbing along the waterfall is an unforgettable experience. Water accompanies you at every step, and the force of nature literally vibrates in the air.

The route includes vertical ascents, various bridges, and steps carved into the rock, providing exciting experiences. The entire route takes about 2.5 hours, including approach and descent, with about 1 hour being the actual climbing time. The total height of vertical ascent is about 150 meters.

Access to the via ferrata starts in Ballino, where there is paid parking that serves as the starting point - there's also a toilet and bar there. The route is known for its combination of natural beauty and technical climbing, including a spectacular crossing on a Tibetan bridge suspended over 100 meters above the ground, making it a popular destination for experienced climbers seeking adrenaline-filled challenges.

3 and 4. Via Ferratas: Fregio and Ginestre

Even for more advanced climbers, this via ferrata will be a challenge. From the very beginning it requires strength and confidence, and the difficult start rated D overhang can make you wonder if you made the right decision.

Via Ferrata Fregio and its accompanying Via Ferrata Ginestre are located near Lake Idro in Italy. It starts with a steep and demanding vertical section requiring arm strength.

Another difficult section is a D-rated traverse requiring arm strength and absence of fear of heights, followed by a hanging rope bridge. The climb offers incredible views of the lake, which you can jump into after completing the route.

5. Via Ferrata Forra del Rio Sallagoni – Through the Gorge to the Jungle

Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni is a beautiful and unique via ferrata running through a canyon near Drena Castle in the Lake Garda area. The route is known for its exciting journey along the gorge, where you pass between rock walls above a cooling stream. Thanks to its location in the canyon, it's an ideal place for hot summer days.

The via ferrata has a difficulty rating of C, making it moderately advanced and suitable for people who have some climbing experience. Its length is 200 meters, and completing the entire route, including approach and descent, takes about 2 hours (15 minutes approach, 1 hour and 15 minutes on the via ferrata, 30 minutes descent). The route features several exciting sections, including two hanging rope bridges, as well as slightly overhanging sections that add attractiveness and adrenaline.

A bit like jungle from "Uncharted"

Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni can be compared to wandering through a wild jungle. Dense vegetation, surrounding high canyon walls, and waterfalls create an atmosphere like a tropical forest. During the climb you feel like you're traversing undiscovered corners of nature, wandering among rocks, narrow passages, and bridges hanging over the stream.

If you're a fan of computer games like Uncharted on PlayStation, this via ferrata will transport you to a similar adventure atmosphere. Rock walls, waterfalls, and natural obstacles add excitement, a bit like exploring ancient ruins in the game.

6. Monte Albano – Power Ladders

Via Ferrata Monte Albano, also known as Via Ferrata Ottorino Marangoni, is one of the most spectacular and demanding climbing routes in the Lake Garda area. Built in 1976 and renovated in 2014, it offers a challenging experience for experienced climbers. The via ferrata has a difficulty rating of C/D, with an elevation difference of about 450 meters. The walls are quite slippery, which adds difficulty, especially on vertical and exposed sections.

This via ferrata is not for beginners, and the first part of the route, without safety measures, is meant to deter those who are not properly prepared. Additionally, you can read warning signs that say if you already had difficulties at this stage, it's better to turn back.

Later the route passes through a series of chimneys, traverses, and vertical walls that require significant strength and technical skills. Monte Albano offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and thanks to its southern location, it can be traversed almost year-round.

The total time needed to complete this via 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 to it is marked from the town center. Parking is located in Mori, near the school (Via Giovanni XXIII) or in nearby streets.

7. Via Ferrata Sentiero del Colodri – Easy but scenic

Via Ferrata Sentiero del Colodri is one of the easier and most family-friendly via ferratas in the Lake Garda area, ideal for beginners and children (recommended age is from 6 years). It starts in the town of Arco, where we had our AirBnB, and leads through the Monte Colodri wall. The route features several very easy climbing sections. The entire journey takes about 3 hours and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

The route ends at the summit of Monte Colodri, from where you can return to Arco via an exciting trail. This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to familiarize themselves with the world of via ferratas in a safe and accessible way. Among the interesting attractions at the Monte Colodri summit, you can encounter wild goats, which add charm to this adventure and make it a unique experience for nature lovers.

Beyond via ferratas

The Lake Garda area offers much more. There are many other attractions - beautiful beaches, bike paths, romantic alleys, amazing restaurants (and in some of them a menu with the item "Hawaiian pizza for 100 Euros" and the inscription "Say NO to pineapples on pizza!").

Interesting facts

The following 2 photos show the same waterfall - the first photo is the waterfall before the downpour - delicate, turquoise, you could bathe in it, the second photo - after the downpour - from one waterfall two became so strong that we didn't want to approach closer.