Via ferrata Cascate di Fanes (Giovanni Barbara)

Description

The “Giovanni Barbara” via ferrata is suitable for everyone, from beginners to families, and is ideal if you want to get closer to the world of hiking and try an easy via ferrata in complete safety. The Cascate di Fanes waterfall tour allows you to experience first-hand the force of nature and the power of water: between bridges and climbs along the walls you can admire another nuance of Cortina. The route progresses entirely to the north, in the magical Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites. Starting from the Pian de Loa car park, which is about 3 km from the Hotel Fiames, follow the signs and take path 10-401 which will take you into the woods and thus into the Valle di Fanes. Leaving the indication for Ponte Outo on the left, continue along the path for about an hour until you reach the incredible scenic point that will allow you to admire the waterfall from above in all its majesty. From here, continue along the zigzags that will take you to the stony riverbed up to the Rio Fanes. Here keep left and go up the stream until you reach the steps along the narrow passage between the rocks. Next comes the most evocative point of the entire journey: the passage under the first waterfall! The power of the water is spectacular and can be appreciated and felt even just by getting close. The path allows you to pass behind the waterfall and admire the majestic force of nature. It is therefore essential to always use the via ferrata kit, as the route is wet and slippery, and to carry a raincoat. The path will then take you up the opposite side of the gorge using metal ropes. Be careful on this stretch because there may be other hikers walking the trail in the opposite direction and crossing paths in some places can be difficult. Then take the dirt road and return to Pian De Loa. For those who want to complete the entire tour of the via ferrata, take the path, approximately 250 m from the benches, which leads to the right bank of the Rio Fanes. Cross the small bridge, go back up the path used for the descent into the gorge and then proceed down the path taken on the outward journey. We recommend passing by the scenic point of Ponte Outo, where you can enjoy the view of the canyon created by the Fanes torrent: an impressive 80-meter chasm that will take your breath away. Once you have completed the tour of the via ferratas, return to the Pian de Loa car park using the same route you took on the outward journey.