Via Ferrata, Italy
World War I soldiers built the Via Ferrata, or Iron Road—a system of cables, ladders, and tunnels that string through Italy’s Dolomites—to help them navigate the mountainous front line between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy. Though they look daunting, the trails allow a wide range of hikers to access some of the Dolomites’ most dramatic, beautiful limestone peaks. And a trek in the Dolomites isn’t complete without a visit to a rifugio, the Alpine huts that dot the mountains, providing meals to hikers on the go.
Discover Your Italy designs custom walking, hiking, and food tours with local Alpine guides. A good place to start is the Via Ferrata Maximilian, which traverses the Denti di Terrarossa ridge and provides excellent views of the Alpe di Siusi (the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe) and the peaks beyond. The route isn’t technically demanding, but a sure foot and a steady head are essential.
