Easy via ferrata to Mount Grande Cir in the Dolomites

Ferrata to Mount Grande Cir from the Grädnerjoch saddle

Starting point

Paid parking in the Gradnerjoch mountain pass. The parking fee is €2/hour, max. €8 per day.

Description of the hike

We arrived at the Grädnerjoch pass around noon and the parking lot was already almost full. At the same time, the road leading to the pass was also lined with cars, so it was clear that there were lots of tourists here. That didn't deter us, and we set off on the via ferrata to Mount Grande Cir. The via ferrata is rated A on the scale, which was ideal as we were doing it with children.

From the parking lot, we began a steep climb toward the rocks. We alternated between wide paths and narrow trails. It didn't really matter which way we went. We were simply heading toward the start of the via ferrata. Gradually, fantastic views of the surrounding mountains opened up before us. We reached the foot of the rocks and continued for a while along a rocky path that climbed steeply to the start of the via ferrata. We were already convinced of the dangers of via ferrata in this section when, a short distance away from us, a climber's helmet suddenly fell with a crash from the rock above us. We put on our via ferrata sets and began the climb up the rock. The route is not exposed; the first part is embedded in the rock, making it easy to climb. There are no steel cables on part of the section, but this section is not dangerous. More cables are stretched across the rock to the summit. Again, the climbing is easy, it is not vertical, and there are plenty of handholds and footholds. Finally, we successfully climbed to the summit of Grande Cir at 2,592 meters above sea level.

The view is spectacular—the Sella massif in front of us, the Sassolungo massif to the west, and the Tofany and Fanes-Sennes mountain ranges dominating the east. At the summit, we had a snack, which we shared with cheeky jackdaws that kept circling around us, waiting for something to fall from our mouths. Then we set off on our way back. The route is the same as the ascent, so it is necessary to avoid climbers heading for the summit when descending the rock. After leaving the rock, we ran down the trails and paths back to the parking lot at the Grädner Joch pass.
 

Difficulty

A simple via ferrata, which is also convenient because the start of the via ferrata is not far from the parking lot. Ideal for beginners. Even trained children can manage it. But it is still a via ferrata, so basic rules must be followed. It is especially important to have a complete via ferrata set - harness, brake, and helmet. The path to the via ferrata is short, but it climbs quite steeply. So being in good physical condition is an advantage.
 

Water availability

The route is not long, we had about 1.5 liters per person with us. It can get very hot in the mountains in summer, so it is necessary to have enough fluids.
 

Sleeping options

During our stay in the Dolomites, we stayed in the town of Arabba. There are plenty of accommodation options throughout the Dolomites, but most of them are not the cheapest...
 

Mountain peaks

The via ferrata leads to the summit of Grande Cir, 2,592 meters above sea level. From the summit, you can see part of the Dolomites, as well as the Austrian Alps.
 

Danger

This is a classic via ferrata, so there is a steel cable stretched across most of the rock climb. As long as you follow the basic rules for climbing via ferrata, there is no danger. However, it is of course necessary to remain alert at all times and not underestimate the route. Definitely do not attempt the via ferrata if there is a risk of storms.
 

Food

The route is short, so just bring your own snack.