Brenta via ferratas: the most evocative routes to do in one or more days

The Brenta Group, with its sheer cliffs, dizzying peaks, and breathtaking panoramas, offers enthusiasts a huge variety of trails and equipped paths. The Sentiero delle Bocchette, divided into many segments, the most famous of which are called “Bocchette Centrali” and “Bocchette Alte”, is perhaps the best-known via ferrata in the Dolomites.
In terms of height, you can tackle up to approximately 800 meters of elevation gain and many hours are required to complete them entirely, reaching almost 3,000 meters of altitude at the highest points.
To cover them all, a few overnight stays in the mountain huts of the Brenta Dolomites are necessary. However, there is the possibility to discover individual segments with a same-day departure and return to Madonna di Campiglio, featuring routes of different lengths and difficulty levels. All of them, it is worth remembering, must be tackled with the appropriate equipment and under the supervision of an experienced alpine guide.

Day trips
There are many routes to do in a single day for those staying in Madonna di Campiglio. The three listed below can be tackled starting in the morning and returning in the evening. You can comfortably reach all these via ferratas with the Grosté cable car, operating every day during the summer.

Sentiero Sosat

This equipped trail, starting and ending at Passo del Grosté, allows you to tour the Orti della Regina, one of the most evocative terraces of the Brenta Group, rich in fossil rocks and rare alpine floral species.

Via ferratas to do in two or more days

Let's take a look instead at the more challenging routes, those that include one or two nights to be spent in a mountain hut. The choice is truly vast, with difficulty levels that meet the needs of (almost) every type of hiker.

Ettore Castiglioni

A great classic of the Brenta Dolomites, this is the southernmost and easternmost via ferrata of the group. The long series of iron ladders allows you to ascend until you can enjoy the views over Val d’Ambiez.

Ottone Brentari

It can be traveled in both directions, but it offers the best panoramas keeping Rifugio Agostini as the starting point. It features wide sections for resting and is therefore also suitable for less experienced hikers.

Bocchette Centrali

The route crosses a particularly wild environment, with highly exposed but well-equipped rocky ledges. If the day is clear, you can widen your gaze as far as the Marmolada, and one of the most spectacular and interesting passages is the stretch that passes at the base of the famous Campanile Basso.

Bocchette Alte

Probably the most famous among the high-altitude routes in the Dolomites. It winds through an evocative lunar environment, opening up to incredible views of Lake Molveno, Cima Paganella, and Adamello-Presanella.
Want to know more? Discover the Via delle Bocchette Alte and Centrali here.

Sentiero Oliva Detassis

An alternative route to a section of the Bocchette Alte, it allows you to reach Bocca Bassa di Massodì and then reconnect with the main path. It features demanding sections, with potential snowfields even in late summer.

Felice Spellini

Inaugurated in September 2010, it climbs up into a majestic Dolomite environment, passing close to the most representative spires of the Brenta Group. It requires good physical fitness and experience.
The high mountains offer unique emotions! If you like the idea of alternating via ferratas with trekking excursions, explore our section dedicated to excursions in Madonna di Campiglio. While clicking on the link, if you wish to delve deeper into the topic of via ferratas in the Brenta Dolomites, check out the insights developed by our partner Ferrate365!