A new via ferrata close to the Rio Ruzza waterfall, completed and reopened in August 2019. Now, the route is definitely more difficult and suitable for experienced climbers.
The most recent of all the via ferratas, short but absolutely spectacular. This is the classic modern ferrata where, apart from following the weak points of the wall, there is a concentration on the most spectacular passages, at times, creating these ex novo. It is the only ferrata which cannot be seen from the valley floor ans is only visible once you reach the starting point. It takes you up the ravine of the Rio Ruzza waterfall on the right side of the Ballino Valley.
After a pleasant walk through the woods, you will soon hear the sound of running water, and just around the corner, you come upon the high wall delved by the waterfall. This ferrata, sheer and athletic, climbs at times to the left, then switches to the right of the waterfall, connected by airy, photogenic hanging bridges. After an hour or so you come to the top where a forest trail leads you back down to Ballino.
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
Safety Tips
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.
Access:
From the centre of Ballino follow directions for Cascata Sajant and in 20 minutes you come to the foot of the waterfall and the base of the ferrata (put on your helmet before approaching the wall – risk of falling stones).
Description:
A short ferrata but a strenuous and challenging one in a setting of greatbeauty beside the Rio Ruzza waterfall. Once you get over the first verticalstretch to the right of the waterfall (1), a series of rungs and a wire bridge (2)lead to a Tibetan bridge (3) which allows you to cross the hanging pool (4)at the foot of the main water fall.This first section is not particularly hard. Thesecond section (5) begins before the Tibetan bridge, and this is decidedly morechallenging and spectacular. The ferrata leads up a long vertical rock facewith a slight overhang on the right hand side of the waterfall. The vertical ascent is interrupted by short traverses on wire bridges (6) and at some points the metal rungs give way to footholds cut into the rock (7). This takes you to a ladder suspended over the drop (8) leading to the startof a typical Tibetan bridge which crosses the waterfall over 100 m abovethe ground. After another short stretch of rock, a second Tibetan bridge (10)leads to the final rock wall which tops out by the forest road that takes youback to Ballino.
Not suitable for beginners or children (even experienced climbers have to watch out because on some sections the safety cable is a bit too far of a stretch for younger children).
April-November (avoid when there is snow on the slopes aboveor ice which can come down from the waterfall)
Return:
Follow the forestry road to go back.
Ballino is connected by the intercity bus line 211 (Riva del Garda - Tenno - Fiavè - Ponte Arche).
Attention! Buses are not very frequent!
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Ballino is about 15 km from Riva del Garda. It can be reached by taking the state road 421 towards Tenno / Terme di Comano.
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Reserved parking area for the Via Ferrata with entrance along the SS421 (main road).
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?
