Via Ferrata dell’Amicizia a Riva del Garda

Ferrata dell'Amicizia: ladders, exposure and a breathtaking view. Geographic Location Cima SAT rises in the Garda Prealps, the mountain range that looks directly onto the north-western shore of Lake Garda, in the Trentino region, in the municipality of Riva del Garda. It is a rocky spur with near-vertical walls that tower almost straight above the town, making it clearly visible from the lakefront promenade. From the summit, after 1,200 metres of elevation gain, the view stretches from south to north: from the Lake Garda basin to the entire Sarca Valley. Hike The Ferrata dell'Amicizia at Cima SAT – also known as the "Via del Centenario SAT" – is a long and demanding route, primarily due to the considerable elevation gain: 1,200 metres from the centre of Riva del Garda to the summit. From a technical standpoint, the difficulty remains moderate: the equipped section does not feature complex alpine passages, but it requires one fundamental and non-negotiable condition: a complete absence of vertigo. The defining characteristic of this via ferrata is, in fact, the extreme exposure of the long metal ladder sections – approximately 150 linear metres in total – which climb vertical walls with nothing but air beneath your feet. The most significant ladders measure 40 and 70 metres respectively, and become overhanging near the top. It is a physically tiring route – all the ladders are climbed vertically – and it also requires attention to rockfall, particularly on the most exposed sections. Tackling this via ferrata in the summer months is strongly discouraged: the heat can be truly oppressive, made worse by the high humidity from the proximity of the lake and the relatively low altitude of the route. The itinerary is instead ideal in the shoulder seasons, when it offers more favourable weather conditions and serves as a great alternative to Dolomite via ferratas still covered in snow. The views that open up from the summit, unusual and close-up compared to more famous alpine routes, more than make up for the effort. A complete via ferrata kit is essential for this route: harness, helmet, via ferrata set (lanyard with energy absorber), gloves and appropriate footwear. History and Curiosities The Ferrata dell'Amicizia was created on the initiative of the Riva del Garda Climbing Group (G.R.A.M.) and inaugurated in 1972 to celebrate the centenary of the Società Alpinisti Tridentini (S.A.T.). The Capanna Santa Barbara, encountered along the ascent route, takes its name from the church of the same name built in past centuries by the miners who worked in the area. According to the official report of the SAT section of Riva del Garda, the hut is open on Sundays from October to May. The Bastione, a small circular fortress visible just above Riva del Garda, dates back to 1508 and is generally open to visitors. ITINERARY From the car park in Riva del Garda (81 m), head to Via Monte Oro (87 m), where you follow the trail marker "Passeggiata al Bastione". Climbing along a paved lane, you reach the Bastione (210 m). Continuing, you arrive at a junction: turn right, trail marker 404, and climb up to the Capanna Santa Barbara (560 m). From here, follow the path southward until you find, on the left, a turn-off onto trail 404B, which shortly leads to the start of the via ferrata (613 m). Just below the via ferrata start sign, the metal fixtures begin, leading up to Cima SAT (1,246 m). The return route follows trail 418, known as the Sentier dei Crazidei, then trail 402 and finally the Strada Santa Maddalena, rejoining Riva del Garda and returning to the starting car park. PARKING AREA GPS coordinates: 45.892419, 10.847196 EXCURSION DETAILS WITH GPS TRACK https://bit.ly/4u8fSlk EXCURSION DATE 3 April 2026 MUSIC A Touch of Dream created by Max H (License Artlist) Go on Journeys created by idokay (License Artlist) Happy Dance created by Day Dreamers (License Artlist) Playing with Wind created by Roie Shpigler, Nono (License Artlist) The Light Within created by Ziv Moran, Light Whale (License Artlist) WEBSITE http://www.doveandiamodomani.it TO FOLLOW US   / doveandiamodomani     / canaledoveandiamodomani   http://www.outdooractive.com/it/autor... COMMERCIAL Email: [email protected]