Via ferrata of the Eagles: Metal staircases on Paganella

Metal staircases across an exposed rock wall, views down to three valleys

Via ferrata of the Eagles is a four-hour guided climb on the east wall of Paganella using brand new metal staircases with significant exposure. You ascend with an Alpine guide, helmet, harness and ferrata set provided. The route crosses the imposing rock face and opens views across the Adige Valley, Brenta Dolomites and Lake Garda. Guides speak English, Italian or German. Minimum age is 16 and moderate physical fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Via ferrata climb with scenic views

• Climb metal staircases on east wall
• Experience exposure and emptiness under feet
• Enjoy views of Adige Valley and Brenta Dolomites
• View Lake Garda from the route

The experience

The route runs on newly installed metal staircases bolted directly into the east wall of Paganella, a via ferrata built for high exposure rather than technical climbing. You move upward with your harness clipped to the cable, stepping across and up the metal rungs as the rock face drops away beneath you. The emptiness is the point. The guide will position you so the exposure is constant and deliberate, not a surprise. Four hours of climbing means you spend the morning or early afternoon on the wall itself, not rushed through it.

The view frames the whole day. From the wall you look out across the Adige Valley, the Brenta Dolomites rising in the distance, and on clear days Lake Garda spreading across the horizon to the south. The guide knows the wall and the timing. You follow their pace and their choice of where to pause. Helmet, harness and the ferrata set (the metal clips and carabiners that attach you to the cable) are provided. Injury insurance and RC insurance are included in the booking.

The cable car up to Cima Paganella (the starting point) costs 17 euros and is not included. You arrange that separately when you arrive. Guides are available in English, Italian and German. Pick your language when you book. The climb suits anyone with moderate fitness who is comfortable with height and exposure. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Alpine guide service in English, Italian or German.
• helmet, harness and ferrata set.
• injury insurance and RC insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mmove - Into Nature

Is this one for you?The climb demands four hours of sustained exposure and physical effort on metal staircases bolted into the rock face, so it suits climbers who want the exposure itself, not a gentler introduction to via ferrata. If you're comfortable with height and have moderate fitness, the guide and the metal infrastructure handle the rest.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does the east wall of Paganella look like when you're climbing it?

The east wall is an imposing rock face where brand new metal staircases are bolted directly into the stone. You climb using the rungs and the cable, with the rock rising above and the valley floor far below, so the exposure is constant throughout the four hours.

Can I do this via ferrata if I've never climbed before?

Yes, if you have moderate physical fitness and are comfortable with height and exposure. The guide leads you and manages the pace. The metal staircases and cable system do the technical work. You need to be at least 16 years old.

What's included in the booking and what do I need to pay for separately?

The guide, helmet, harness, ferrata set and both injury and RC insurance are included. The cable car to reach Cima Paganella costs 17 euros and you pay that when you arrive. It is not part of the booking price.

How long does the whole experience take?

Four hours on the wall itself, not counting travel to the starting point or the cable car ride up. Plan the morning or early afternoon for the climb.

What can I see from the wall?

The Adige Valley spreads below you, the Brenta Dolomites rise in the distance, and Lake Garda is visible to the south on clear days. The view is part of the route, not a bonus. You climb with it in front of you the whole time.