Lake Garda is one of the most spectacular areas in Europe for via ferratas. Vertical walls, suspended ledges, and views over the lake make every climb a unique experience.
Many via ferratas are easily accessible and well-equipped, ideal for both beginners and experienced hikers looking for an adrenaline rush.
In this article, you will find the 9 most spectacular via ferratas of Lake Garda, all with breathtaking views of the water.
Colodri Via Ferrata – Panorama over Arco
The Colodri via ferrata is located directly above Arco and is one of the most popular in the area.
The approach is short and starts almost from the town center. The ferrata follows a solid wall with well-secured vertical sections.
From the summit, a wide view opens up over the Sarca Valley and the lake. It is a perfect ferrata for a first experience, while still offering enjoyable sections.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: easy–moderate
- Travel time: approximately 2 hours
- Ideal for beginners with a minimum of experience
- Very open panorama
Amicizia Via Ferrata – The ladder on Lake Garda
The Amicizia ferrata is famous for the very long metal ladder that climbs steeply above Riva del Garda.
The route is short but physically demanding. It does not present great technical difficulties, but requires endurance and no fear of heights.
The view of the lake during the climb is spectacular and accompanies every meter of elevation gain.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: moderate
- Travel time: 2–3 hours
- Requires good physical fitness
- Very exposed
Rio Sallagoni Via Ferrata – Adventure in the gorge
The Rio Sallagoni via ferrata is a completely different experience.
It unfolds inside a narrow gorge, with suspended walkways and vertical walls.
The atmosphere is cool and shady, ideal on hot days. The route is well-secured but features athletic passages.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: moderate
- Travel time: approximately 2 hours
- Helmet essential
- Possible dampness and slippery sections
Aquile Via Ferrata – Spectacular view above the lake
The Aquile via ferrata offers one of the most spectacular panoramas of Lake Garda.
The route follows an exposed wall with ledges and scenic traverses.
It is a technical and demanding ferrata, suitable for experienced hikers who are confident in their movements.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: moderate–difficult
- Travel time: 3–4 hours
- Requires good technique
- Direct view of the lake
Susatti Via Ferrata – Scenic traverse
The Susatti ferrata is a long scenic traverse above the Sarca Valley.
It does not present great technical difficulties, but the exposure is constant.
The view ranges from the lake to the surrounding mountains and it is one of the most scenic ferratas in the area.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: moderate
- Travel time: 3 hours
- Very exposed
- Requires sure-footedness
Che Guevara Via Ferrata – The longest on Lake Garda
The Che Guevara via ferrata is the longest on Lake Garda and one of the most famous.
The route climbs steadily with long vertical sections and athletic passages.
It is a demanding ferrata, recommended only for well-trained hikers.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: difficult
- Travel time: 5–6 hours
- Requires excellent physical fitness
- Continuous panoramas
Artiglierie Via Ferrata – Historic and scenic
The Artiglierie ferrata follows an old military path.
It is a historic route, with tunnels and ledges carved into the rock.
The difficulty is moderate and the view over the lake is constant.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: easy–moderate
- Travel time: 3 hours
- Very scenic
- Ideal for history enthusiasts
Contrabbandieri Via Ferrata – Thrills on the lake
The Contrabbandieri ferrata is one of the most thrilling.
It runs sheer above the lake with extremely exposed sections.
It is short but intense, reserved for very experienced via ferrata climbers without a fear of heights.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: difficult
- Travel time: 2–3 hours
- Highly exposed
- Not suitable for beginners
F. Susatti Via Ferrata – Access to Cima Capi
This ferrata leads towards Cima Capi and is often combined with other itineraries.
The route is varied and scenic, with easy sections alternating with more exposed passages.
The view of the lake from the summit is one of the most beautiful in the entire area.
Useful information:
- Difficulty: moderate
- Travel time: 3–4 hours
- Very scenic
- Ideal in combination with other ferratas
