There are many factors that make the Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina al Pisciadù one of the most popular ferratas in the Dolomites. First and foremost, it allows you to admire the majestic walls of the Sella Group, with the Pisciadù waterfall cascading beside the ferrata route. It offers the opportunity to appreciate the panorama throughout the entire ascent, with the town of Colfosco at your feet.
Start: Parking near the Gardena Pass [location here]
We reached this parking lot by using public transportation from Corvara in Badia to Gardena Pass. The bus stop is right next to the parking area. This is where the trail leading to the beginning of the via ferrata starts.
Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina al Pisciadù – the description of the route
Join us as we are conquering heights, navigating challenges, and embracing the raw beauty of the Dolomites on this awe-inspiring via ferrata route. The Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina al Pisciadù awaits, promising an adventure of a lifetime.
I divide the description of the via ferrata route into three parts:
Part 1: Easy and short warm-up
Our expedition kicks off with a gentle introduction, a warm-up that allows us to acclimate to the vertical world we are about to explore. This was just a warm-up. During this stage, the route was quite crowded, and traffic jams occurred. Fortunately, it didn’t last too long, and a short walk between this stage and the next one dispersed the crowd.
As we ascend, the landscape transforms, offering panoramic views that hint at the grandeur awaiting us higher up.
Part 2: More difficult and longer
After completing the first stage and taking a short path to the spectacular waterfall at the foot of Torre Exner, we begin the more challenging section of the Via Ferrata Tridentina. The second chapter of our climb unveils a more demanding path, both in terms of technical difficulty and endurance. The landscape becomes more rugged, the iron rungs more vertical, and the exposure more pronounced.
At the end of this stage, there is an option to leave the via ferrata and take a different route to the Franco Cavazza al Pisciadù hut (Pisciadù-Hütte). We, however, continue the route on the via ferrata.
Part 3: Challenging – here is the bridge!
The grand finale of our ascent leads almost to the summit of Torre Exner and brings us to the pièce de résistance – the renowned bridge. Widely recognized, this bridge is more than a mere structure – I think it’s a symbol of a big achievement. As we reach the bridge, suspended in the air, the exhilaration of the moment is heightened by the knowledge that we have conquered this challenge.
This iconic bridge serves as a magnetic draw for climbers and has become a signature feature of the Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina al Pisciadù.
The via ferrata concludes shortly after it – on the natural Masores terrace. From there, the trail continues along an easy path to the Franco Cavazza al Pisciadù hut (Pisciadù-Hütte) located above the lake surrounded by the vertical walls of Sas da Lech and Cima Pisciadù (2985 m).
It’s worth ascending Cima Pisciadù for a beautiful view of Corvara, the nearby peak Sassongher, and the distant Fanes massif. Apparently, the panorama from this place is one of the most beautiful in the Dolomites. We’ll check it out next time 🙂
Descent
Descending from Rifugio Pisciadu, the journey takes a different turn as we follow the scenic path 676. This descent offers another perspective, revealing hidden valleys. As we bid farewell to the iconic refuge, the path winds its way through the rugged terrain, ensuring a memorable and picturesque return.
The initial stretch of the descent from Rifugio Pisciadu via path 676 presents a gradual decline, allowing hikers to relish the lingering views of the surrounding peaks. The trail, well-marked and with some steeper sections, leads us through rocky paths.
We found ourselves on the lookout for special stones that seemed to tell their own geological tales. Each step downward became a treasure hunt, adding an element of geological discovery to our descent. Amidst the rugged beauty, we also discovered a world of delicate charm with an array of cute little flowers.
A sound of the running waterfall accompanied us until the final steps of our descent. The path guided us to the charming village of Colfosco.
Are you interested in via ferratas? Check out more posts here: VIA FERRATA.
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