As a rule, the more effort you are willing to put into a hike or climb, the more rewarding the views will be. But as with every rule, there is always an exception. It doesn’t get easier in the via ferrata World of the Italian Dolomites than Gran Cir. However, easy doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it. On the contrary, the views from via ferrata Gran Cir will stick with you for a long time.
Total roundtrip distance (incl. approach)
3.5 kilometres / 2.17 miles
Elevation gain
380 meters / 1250 feet
Difficulty
Beginner (A)
Time required
2-3 hours
The location and overview of via ferrata Gran Cir
The Gardena mountain pass, where the via ferrata Gran Cir begins, connects two famous valleys in the Dolomites: Val Badia and Val Gardena. The nearest towns to Passo Gardena are Corvara in Val Badia and Selva in Val Gardena, each only 20 minutes away by car.
The Gran Cir summit views are jaw-dropping. Far to the East, you can see Mount Antelao and Mount Pelmo, famous 3000-meter peaks in the Dolomites. The massive Sella group stretches to the South with its highest summit, Piz Boe. West is the famous Sassolungo, a beloved subject for photographers. Another popular via ferrata, Oskar Schuster, runs through it.
The map of the via ferrata
Important info about the via ferrata Gran Cir
Via ferrata Gran Cir receives a lot of sun thanks to its Southern exposition. That means it usually becomes accessible sooner than other hikes in the area. That said, snow can linger longer in the shaded gully crossed along the route. To be sure, wait at least until mid-June to tackle it.
When to go: Mid-June – October
Trail numbers: 2, 2B
Highest point: 2592 meters / 8503 feet
Parking:
46.54955, 11.80926
Trailhead: 46.55082, 11.80867
Nearest towns: Colfosco, Corvara, Selva, Santa Cristina, Ortisei
Via ferrata Gran Cir route description
The top of Gran Cir is visible from Passo Gardena. If you squint your eyes, you can see the cross on top. To reach it from the parking lot, you must first follow path no. 2. Eventually, you will come across signs pointing to Gran Cir.
After 15 minutes of a gentle incline, you will reach a scree gully. Follow the path up the left side of the gully until you reach the cables. The fixed-rope section on via ferrata Gran Cir is very short. The exposure isn’t too bad, and I have seen plenty of people not even wearing harnesses and helmets. However, I firmly believe it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I have already experienced a terrible accident in the mountains, and I am in no rush to repeat it.
The route zig-zags up the mountain. Irrespective of the switchbacks, it’s still a relatively sharp incline, and you will gain elevation quickly. The jagged peaks of the Sella mountain group on the other side of Passo Gardena will be visible the whole time. It only takes around 45 minutes to hike from the gully to the top, even less if you are in top shape. Once at the summit, expect other hikers. This is a popular sunrise and sunset spot amongst the locals.
The giant cross adorning the summit is a good reminder of the strong presence of the Catholic Church in Italian society. They are on every bloody summit. They always remind you that you will meet Jesus sooner than expected if you are not careful.
To descend from the summit, follow the same route. The way down is usually faster, and you should be back at Passo Gardena within an hour.
Getting there
Passo Gardena can be reached by public or private transport. The road leading to the pass is narrow, windy, and has many hairpin turns, so inexperienced drivers should take the bus.
By bus
Public buses run daily from Val Badia and Val Gardena to Passo Gardena during high season. Check the Sued Tirol Mobil info website for your nearest bus stop and the schedule.
By car
There is ample paid parking near Rifugio Frara, near the top of the pass, but it fills up quickly during peak season (July and August) and on weekends. The earlier you get there, the better.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
Make sure to pop into Rifugio Jimmy for a tasty cup of Italian cappuccino and warm apple strudel and rest on one of their fabulous bean bags on the terrace. It will require a slight detour, but it will be worth it. There is also a hotel and a restaurant directly on Passo Gardena, but due to a lot of traffic passing through, it tends to be quite busy.
Where to stay nearby
To tackle via ferrata Gran Cir, I recommend staying in Corvara. It has excellent dining options and access to other hikes and via ferratas. A quick word of warning. Corvara is a pretty upscale resort, so expect to pay higher prices.
Best Value
Each room at the Hotel Table has mountain views. Guests can enjoy spa and sauna facilities at a fraction of the price of other hotels.
Top Rated
Hotel Marmolada combines classic mountain flair with a nice touch of modernity. Its beautiful spa area stands out from the other hotels I have been to.
Other activities nearby
Hikes
- Sassolungo Circuit
- Sella Group Traverse
- Vallunga
Via ferrata
Shop my via ferrata gear essentials
Black Diamond Helmet
Rockfall is a significant concern on via ferrata routes. Unbeknownst to you, other climbing groups above you may accidentally dislodge a small rock and send it down the mountain. If it hits you on the head, it could have serious consequences. A helmet on your head (not inside your backpack) is necessary.
Shop on: Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Black Diamond Momentum Harness
Another must-have on a via ferrata route is a climbing harness. A harness works as an anchor point for your via ferrata lanyard. Try it before your trip to ensure it fits snugly without limiting your movements. Aim for a lightweight harness that will be comfortable to wear between the cable-protected sections when hiking.
- Shop Women’s on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
- Shop Men’s on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Edelrid, Camp or Black Diamond Via Ferrata Lanyard
A via ferrata lanyard connects the climber and their harness to the cables along the route. Its two arms and a hidden extra coil work as an energy absorption system in case of a fall. The two carabiners at the end of the lanyard clip into the cable. Make sure the carabiners are equipped with the palm squeeze mechanism. It’s the safest and most comfortable.
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Black Diamond Crag Gloves
The gloves protect your hands from cuts and scratches you may otherwise get if you haul yourself on the cable without them. I prefer full-finger gloves for extra protection against blisters. If your hands sweat quickly, go for the fingerless version.
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Salewa Wildfire Edge Approach Shoes
This is my go-to pair of hiking shoes for more accessible trails or via ferrata, where I don’t need extra ankle support. They provide excellent grip on the rock and are very durable.
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Reeloq Smartphone Securing System
If you want to take great photos on a via ferrata without worrying about losing your phone, Reeloq is the best tool for it. It’s a smartphone-securing system that allows you to use your phone on any adventure. This has been a great addition to my tool arsenal.
Shop on: REELOQ
Hi Marta did you slept in the top of gran cir for whatching Sunset and sunrise or you went in diferent days?
Hi There. No it takes 60-90 minutes to go to the top from the trailhead so no need to drag a tent up there. 🙂
Hi! I really want to do this ferrata, but It would be my first ferrata. Is this something where I can easily rent the equipment and do this “easy” feratta on my own? Or do I need to go with a guide? I am an experienced hiker, I am just new to the feratta world. Thanks!
Hi Andrea. Please go to my article titled “beginner’s guide to via ferrata climbing in the Italian Dolomites’. All the answers to the questions you have asked will be in that article 🙂 You can find it in the via ferrata category in my Italian Dolomite’s guide or through the search loop. Let me know if I can help any further.
Hey Katie, How did you hike for how long did you stay around sunset ? And how did you hike early in the morning for sunrise ?
Hi Przemek. I reckon you wanted to ask me. I am Marta btw and also polish 😉 As for your question I do say in the text how long it takes to hike up and down. I stayed around 30 mins on the top for sunset. As for your second question, sorry I didn’t really understand it. Could you rephrase?
W drugim pytaniu chodzi mi o to że ta ostatnia fotka jest o wschodzie słońca i jak przypuszczam ze szczytu Gran Cir tak ? Pytanie brzmi, Czy wchodziliście tam dużo wcześniej przed wstaniem słońca ?
Duzo wczesniej nie, Jak juz mowilam 45 min przed, chyba ze jest sie wolnym to wtedy trzeba sobie dac troche wiecej czasu 🙂
Hi Marta, would the local buses take you directly to the parking lot/trailhead to start the hike?
Hi Katie, It really depends, but if you plan on Doing VF Gran Cir then the bus stops directly on Passo Gardena, where you can start the hike! I hope that helps!