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Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni

Dro & Drena

Category
Difficulty
Intermediate
Duration
2:30
Duration in hours
Distance
2.7
Distance in km
Status
open
WSEN
Suggested period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

An exciting via ferrata that winds through a stunning gorge. The route follows the streambed, offering a unique experience, while the steeper sections are tackled with ladders firmly fixed into the rock face.

A lovely protected route which climbs the narrow gorge delved by the Rio Sallagoni at the foot of the limestone cliff below Castel Drena. The atmosphere is rendered magical by the succession of waterfalls along the ascent and the particular lush vegetation of this hidden world. Two Tibetan bridges add a dash of excitement to the experience.

Easy access, just a few minute’s walk from the car park close to the Tamburello field, and the fact that it is relatively short, make this an ideal itinerary for an exciting half-day excursion. 

At the end of 2024, the second section was also re-equipped, making the gorge now fully accessible. Otherwise you can exit below the castle. 

Further information and useful links

Facing a via ferrata requires knowledge of the right technique of progression and some training. If you want to try out this experience for the first time or check the use of the via ferrata set, we recommend that you contact one of our mountain guides: Guides – Via ferratas with the experts 

For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444

 

Route info
Intermediate
Route number
Distance
2,7 km
Duration
2 h 30 min
Altitude difference (+)
205 m
Altitude difference (-)
196 m
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
378 m
Lowest point
187 m
Suggestions

Once you are in Drena, take the chance to visit the castle and the 25m high tower. 

Safety guidelines

Safety Tips

  1. Only do the via ferrata if you are reasonably fit and in excellent health.
  2. Do not do the via ferrata in bad weather, especially if it looks like a storm is coming.
  3. Do not do the via ferrata alone: if you have an accident nobody will be able to call for help.
  4. The risk of rock falls increases if there are others on the via ferrata or with wind or rain.
  5. Always check route conditions; in winter you may find snow and ice.
  6. Use proper safety gear (helmet, harness, ferrata kit with double self-locking carabiners and energy absorbing systems). Put on your helmet once you get near to the wall in case of rock falls.
  7. During progression always keep both carabiners clipped onto the safety cable and when you pass the anchor points make sure at least one carabiner is clipped on to each safety cable.
  8. Only one person may be on any length of cable between two anchor points.
  9. Wear clothing and hiking boots suited to the altitude, the season and the length of the route and ferrata gloves.
  10. Pay special attention on the easy parts, where there are no cables.
  11. Always check the condition of the bolts and cables on the wall as they can suffer damage in bad weather.
  12. Carefully evaluate the crowding conditions and the state of preservation of the safety gear on the via ferrata. Beware, YOU are ultimately and solely responsible for undertaking a via ferrata safely and responsibly.

Emergency telephone number 112.

 

The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.

Punto di partenza
Parking place Tamburello - SP 84
Directions

Get past the first rocky outcrop by heading up to the left of the waterfall withthe help of some stirrups, then begin the long crossing in the ravine wherethere are a few challenging sections for younger kids, until a more open areawith dense vegetation and waterfalls. You can stay on the path to the left sideof the ravine (3) or ford the stream and cross the waterfall on a Tibetan hangingbridge (4). In a few minutes along a series of steps you come to a passagebetween huge boulders (5) and shortly after, crossing a second Tibetan bridge(6) you come to a little wooden bridge across the stream. Here you can exit the via ferrata below the castle. 

Climbing two rock blocks with the help of rungs (7) and crossing a short “donkey back,” you ascend a rock slab to the right of a waterfall (8). You then cross to the left side of the stream to climb a short wall and continue along a long traverse using iron rungs and a short rope bridge (9) through the narrow gorge. After crossing the stream again, you ascend an inclined rock slab (10). Shortly after, you cross the stream once more to climb the rock wall on the left side and navigate a new narrow section via a long traverse. Crossing back to the right side, you traverse further with rungs and tackle a short athletic section (11) before climbing a vertical step next to a waterfall (12). This is followed by a section on rocks barely above water level, after which you return to the left side to climb a block leaning against the wall (13). From there, a long traverse a few meters above the water leads to the exit ramp (14).

At the end of the via ferrata, follow the trail that descends along the banks of the Rio Sallagoni, skirts the wastewater treatment plant, and leads to the road heading up to the castle. From there, descend back to the parking area.

Attention: Do not enter the adjacent fields – private property.

public transportation

Drena is connected by the intercity bus lines 204 (Riva del Garda – Cavedine – Trento) to the other places in Garda Trentino.

Stop in the locality Marocche on request.

Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.

 

How to get there

From Arco follow the SS45bis road to Dro and then SP84 in the direction of Drena.

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.

 

Where to park

Parking along the main road near near the Tamburello sports field or in the locality Marocche. 

You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.

What should you absolutely have with you on a via ferrata tour?

  • rucksack (25/30L capacity) for a day trip
  • technical mountain clothing  
  • hiking boots with Vibram or similar sole  
  • via ferrata gear  
  • harness  
  • helmet  
  • gloves  
  • pickaxe and crampons (when necessary)  
  • a length of rope (recommended)
  • Garda Guest Card
Dro & Drena
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