Via ferrata A couple on the Via Ferrata Tomaselli, arguably one of the hardest in the Italian Dolomites © Patitucci

Via ferrata

It all started in the Dolomites in Italy. The first via ferratas, used for transporting troops and equipment during WWI, are now pleasant aerial access routes to the summits.

One of these is the Via Ferrata de Tomaselli, which climbs the South Punta Fanes, known as one of the most difficult in the region.

From the Rifugio Lagazuoi, it is possible to access an entire series of ledges and steep walls with magnificent views of the Tofana and other peaks of the Dolomites before reaching the summit at 2980 m.