Via Ferrata Rotwand | Roda di Vael

The Rotwand Via Ferrata is an alpine route and requires adequate preparation.

• Only attempt the route with complete via ferrata equipment (via ferrata set, harness and helmet).
• Sure-footedness, a head for heights and alpine experience are essential.
• The key section reaches grade C and requires confident climbing skills.
• In spring and early summer, old snowfields may make the approach or individual sections more challenging.
• Weather conditions and thunderstorm risk should be carefully checked before setting out.
• In uncertain conditions or with limited experience, the assistance of a certified mountain guide is recommended.
• The route should only be attempted in dry conditions, as wet rock can significantly increase the difficulty.

The tour starts at the upper station of the Paolina chairlift (2,125 m) above the village of Carezza, at the foot of the Rosengarten | Catinaccio massif.

From Paolina Hut, follow the Hirzel Trail [552] and then hiking trail [9] towards Vajolon Pass. This scenic mountain path crosses alpine terrain and overcomes several rocky steps with the help of an iron ladder and wooden steps. After approximately 1.5 hours, the area of Vajolon Pass is reached at around 2,560 metres.

Here the Rotwand Via Ferrata begins. Iron pegs, steel cables and stepped rock sections lead along the ridge to the summit of Rotwand | Roda di Vael (2,806 m). From the summit cross, hikers are rewarded with impressive views of the Rosengarten | Catinaccio peaks and the surrounding Dolomites, including Schlern | Sciliar, the Sella Group and Marmolada.

The descent follows the north-west ridge. The route initially descends over a grassy crest and several cable-protected sections. The key section of the tour is then reached: a steep rock wall equipped with iron staples and footholds, graded C. Shortly afterwards, the route passes the distinctive Fensterleturm, one of the most famous rock towers in the Rosengarten | Catinaccio massif.

The descent continues through a varied mix of rocky and grassy terrain, including a narrow chimney equipped with an iron ladder, leading to Rotwand Hut (2,283 m) and then to Pederiva Hut (2,275 m), both ideal places for a break.

Following trails [549] and [539], past the Christomannos Monument and along the Hirzel Trail, the route eventually returns to Paolina Hut and the starting point.

Less experienced via ferrata climbers can return from the summit along the ascent route to Vajolon Pass and descend from there via trail [551] to Rotwand Hut and Pederiva Hut.

Difficulty: Moderate (B/C) – only suitable with full via ferrata equipment and helmet. Sure-footedness and mountain experience required.

Refreshment stops:

• Paolina hut - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/paolina-hut_5228
• Rotwand | Roda di Vael hut - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/rifugio-roda-di-vael_5242
• Pederiva hut - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/baita-m-pederiva-pederiva-htte_5246

By public bus line:
- 180 from Bozen | Bolzano, Val di Fassa
- 180 from Karer Pass | Passo Costalunga, Karer See | Lago di Carezza
- 180 from Birchabruck | Ponte Nova
- 184 and change 180 from Obereggen, Eggen | Ega
- 181 and change 180 from Weissenstein | Pietralba, Petersberg | Monte San Pietro, Deutschnofen | Nova Ponente, Stenk
- 187 from Steinegg | Collepietra, Gummer | San Valentino

Bus stop: Welschnofen | Nova Levante, Paolina; online timetable search at: https://www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ugq1MsuY1T68PnPW8

By public bus line:
- 180 from Bozen | Bolzano, Val di Fassa
- 180 from Karer Pass | Passo Costalunga, Karer See | Lago di Carezza
- 180 from Birchabruck | Ponte Nova
- 184 and change 180 from Obereggen, Eggen | Ega
- 181 and change 180 from Weissenstein | Pietralba, Petersberg | Monte San Pietro, Deutschnofen | Nova Ponente, Stenk
- 187 from Steinegg | Collepietra, Gummer | San Valentino

Bus stop: Welschnofen | Nova Levante, Paolina; online timetable search at: https://www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ugq1MsuY1T68PnPW8

By car:
Destination: Welschnofen | Nova Levante
Parking: Parking lot Paolina
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ugq1MsuY1T68PnPW8