Dolomites Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata of World War I: Via Ferrata & Hiking Tour

Hike and climb your way along via ferrata of WWI, trekking on the Dolomites Alta Via high routes, exploring fascinating WWI ruins and history, and ascending a different challenging via ferrata almost every day!

Trip Overview

Imagine the Dolomites from 1915-1918. World War One raged across the peaks and valleys, with fighting between Austrian and Italian soldiers, oftentimes friends from a neighboring village. During the sad years that saw Italy face the German and Austro-Hungarian armies on the battle fields here, the soldiers, who lived along a war front that touched these high peaks tried to make their lives in the mountains as easy as possible. What the soldiers did in the Dolomites region (and not only here) is incredible and fascinating: long tunnels dug inside the mountains with dynamite and picks, suspension bridges across scary chasms, iron paths, refuges that literally hung on sheer cliffs… just to mention a few of the works that are still standing today. Some are remnants in their original state and some have been renovated and transformed into open air museums, for example the ones present on the following mountains: Lagazuoi, Marmolada, Tofane, and Col di Lana.


We firmly believe that the Vie Ferrate (iron paths) that have been opened just to increase the income of a Rifugio (mountain hut) have nothing to with the true spirit of mountaineering or the passion for the mountains. On the other hand, the ones opened by the soldiers, who needed to move safely in a dangerous environment, and that today are still practicable, often after some renovation, must be considered as silent witnesses of the most tragic and memorable events of World War I. This itinerary can make us stop and consider the horrors of all wars, while admiring a breath-taking panorama; the consciousness of what happened in this incredibly beautiful area can give a small contribution to the cause of Peace.

Highlights

  • Climb on via ferrata and hike the tunnels constructed during WWI, taking in breathtaking vistas while imagining the challenges of fighting in this vertical terrain
  • Enjoy the welcoming hospitality of mountain rifugios, experiencing true mountaineer style
  • Explore WWI ruins, transformed into open air museums paying homage to the challenges and loss of life during the conflict
  • Breathe in pure air and experience a variety of spectacular landscapes in a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo (B)

  • Day 3

    Hotel in Arabba (B,D)

  • Day 4

    Hotel in Canazei (B,D)

  • Day 5

    Hotel in Canazei (B,D)

  • Day 6

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

Want to learn more about our Hotels and B&Bs?
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites!

Prefer luxury accommodations?
You can also book a custom departure of this trip using our Luxury Hotels. For details, please contact us.

Want to learn more about our Mountain Inns & Rifugi?            
Rifugi – or mountain huts in English – are the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomites, rifugi are accessible only on foot (with a few exceptions that are reachable by car). These marvelous establishments are open primarily in the summer, with a select few in winter, and offer meals and sleeping facilities.

The Dolomite Rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Bedding and linens are provided, hot showers are available, and meals are served in common dining areas – like a small mountain inn set high in the mountains with the most incredible vistas in the Dolomites. Whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter, an overnight rifugio stay is not to miss on a Dolomite holiday.

To learn even more about rifugi in the Dolomites, check out our Rifugios in the Dolomites article, and learn about one of the best ways to experience these incredible mountains!

Want to see the Dolomites in action?
Check out the high definition videos in our SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!

Want to learn more about hiking in the Dolomites?
Check out our Tips for Hiking in the Dolomites article!

Want to know what type of weather you should expect on your trip?
Check out our Climate and Weather in the Dolomites article!

Want to learn what it’s like to stay in a rifugio before you visit?
Check out our Rifugios in the Dolomites article!

Want to learn more about via ferrata in the Dolomites?
Check out our Via Ferrata: Climbing the Iron Paths of the Dolomites article for the who, what, when, where, & why of climbing via ferrata!

Prefer a shorter trek?
Check out our Hiking itineraries, and our Summer Short Stays.

Still want more? Why not extend your adventure!

Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore VeniceVeronaLake GardaFlorence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival, or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Guided Trip:
€ 3.890 per person (2 participants) 
€ 2.630 per person (4 participants)
€ 2.820 per person (6 participants) - 2 guides

Self-guided trips are available on request. 
Good via ferrata experience required for self-guided via ferrata trips.
Via ferrata equipment is not included in this case, and 1st day will be guided.

The cost is based on the specified hotel category (please see the cost inclusions list). If you would like an upgrade, please get in touch with us for a quotation.
We will do our best to accommodate you in the specified class of accommodations. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at a supplementary price. 

Important to note:
  • There is a high-season 15% surcharge from July 14th to Sept 8th. 
  • Prices may increase between the time of quotation and booking. Your Dolomite Mountains consultant will inform you of any changes.

Cost Includes:

  • Briefing, logistics and maps of the area
  • 2 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo
  • 1 night accommodation in 3-star hotel in Arabba
  • 2 night accommodation in 3-star hotel in Canazei
  • All breakfasts
  • All Dinners except in Cortina
  • Local English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA Professional Mountain Guide for 4 days
  • Via ferrata equipment
  • Lifts and cable cars as per itinerary
  • Luggage transfer between hotels
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map