Via ferrata del Vajont, the new via ferrata della Memoria above Longarone

The ferrata was financed thanks to the “SaferAlps" cross-border project which designs safety aspects of vie ferrate in the province of Belluno and the rest of the Alps. Fundamental support was provided by DolomitiCert, iCAI Veneto, the University of Salzburg and the Mountain Rescue Service.

The Cortina Mountain Guides built the Ferrata della Memoria, applying their know-how gained through decades construction and maintaing some of the most famous via ferrata in the Dolomites, situated mainly around Cortina d'Ampezzo.

As of 2 October 2015 the Vajont dam can be viewed at from a different angle, namely a sports perspective. Observing the slender and somewhat alarming shape of Vajont dam will enable those who ascend the ferrata to reflect on past mistakes and look towards the future of an area, located on the border between the Veneto and the Friuli Venezia Giulia, that has a great tourist potential

The new via ferrata runs along the right bank of the Vajont gorge, through the municipalities of Longarone (BL), Castellavazzo (BL) and Erto (PN).

The start of the new ferrata can easily be reached via the 251 state road that leads from Longarone to Erto. From Codissago drive up to the 6th hairpin bend and signpost for the ferrata. Turn off the main road and continue right along the narrow road that, after circa 100m, leads to a car park. Leave the car here, the path start on the right close to a tunnel.

Descend for a few meters to reach the spectacular gully that brought water from river Vajont to the Codissago mill at the end of 1800.

Continue up this gully to reach the first tunnel, circa 150m long, head torch recommended. This leads to ledge, equipped with steel cable, another shorter tunnel and a second, more exposed but easier ledge. This leads to a ladder that marked the start of the difficulties; the first 100m are demanding and exposed.

Immediately after this, thanks to a series of ledges, the ferrata leads to the central ledge and the second vertical section. Although difficult, it is less demanding than the previous vertical section, and then leads rightwards to another ledge and second ladder. From here it continues to a notch in the rock, built for the cable car that transported concrete from Longarone for the Vajont dam. Proceed from here for a further 5 minutes to reach path no #380 that leads to the Vajont dam. By turning off left you can return to the starting point.

In total the ferrata is comprised of 600m in the starting gully, followed by another 60m on the vertical sections. The first section is easy, the second section very difficult. Time: 2 - 2.5 hours.

TOPO: Via Ferrata della Memoria