Via Ferratas of the Fanes Valley Waterfalls
Description
Two short, independent and relatively easy ferratas located in the Fanes stream bed. Ideal for children (with rope and ferrata gear!) or beginners. There's about 1 hour between the two ferratas. During spring thaw and summer storms, both should be avoided.
Access & starting point
From Val Pusteria to Dobbiaco, turn into Val di Landro (direction Cortina), pass Carbonin and Passo Cimabanche until the first hairpin bend to the left. Right at the bend, a small road veers right (signed “Ra Stua”). Large parking at the start of the road, closed off near the Ra Stua alpine pasture. Alternatively, from Cortina, return towards Dobbiaco until the same bend and car park.
Approach
From the parking, head down left on a forest road to the stream, then cross a clearing until you meet the wide forest trail into Val di Fanes toward Malga Fanes (trail no. 10/401). Shortly after the "Ponte Outo" (deep gorge), on the right is a bench. The first ferrata (Ferrata G. Barbara) starts and ends here. From the bench, take the shortcut (trail no. 10), partly steep, until you find the forest road again, then continue right towards the "Ferrata Cengia de Mattia", which passes under the waterfall and across a bridge, leading back to the forest road.
Route
A beautiful half-day excursion, doable even in the afternoon with stable weather. The approach trail between the two ferratas is fairly long.
Technical Details
These ferratas are technically quite easy and well equipped with steel cables and some iron rungs. They can be done independently. Both routes pass behind a waterfall, making the environment humid. Short unsecured sections can be easily overcome. The walk can also be combined with the hike up to Malga Fanes.
Descent
Return along the forest road to the starting point.
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