Via delle Bocchette Great Traverse

Via delle Bocchette Great Traverse – 4 Days

A complete journey through the heart of the Brenta Dolomites: four days of exposed ledges, suspended traverses, historic huts and some of the most spectacular via ferratas in the Alps.

The Via delle Bocchette is much more than a single ferrata: it is a true high-altitude crossing of the Brenta group, linking together narrow rock terraces, ladders, natural ledges and breathtaking passages carved into the vertical limestone walls of the Dolomites.

This itinerary combines the most iconic sections of the traverse — Benini, Bocchette Alte, Bocchette Centrali and Castiglioni — into a unique multi-day adventure through one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Italy.

The atmosphere changes continuously throughout the traverse: from the wild northern towers above Grostè to the airy traverses of the Bocchette Centrali, and finally the more solitary southern sector near Rifugio Agostini and the XII Apostoli area.

Despite the technical difficulties remaining moderate, this is a committing route due to the length of the days, the altitude and the continuous exposed terrain. Good physical fitness and confidence moving on steep mountain terrain are essential.

Day 1 – Via Ferrata Benini to Rifugio Tuckett

Meeting in the morning in Madonna di Campiglio. Using the Grostè lift system we quickly gain altitude and reach the upper station at around 2,400 meters. From here the traverse immediately enters the dramatic northern sector of the Brenta Dolomites.

The Via Ferrata Benini offers an excellent introduction to the atmosphere of the Bocchette system: exposed ledges, panoramic traverses and stunning views over the Adamello-Presanella range.

The route follows the high ridges and rocky terraces above the Grostè area before descending toward Rifugio Tuckett, a cozy alpine hut located beneath the impressive dolomites tower of Castelletto Inferiore.

Approximate hiking time: 5–6 hours.

Day 2 – Bocchette Alte to Rifugio Alimonta

From Rifugio Tuckett we enter one of the most spectacular sections of the entire traverse: the Via Ferrata Bocchette Alte.

This historic route cuts across the huge limestone faces high above the valleys below, linking narrow natural ledges, ladders and exposed traverses in a truly dramatic environment. The views continuously open toward the central towers of the Brenta group, creating the feeling of moving through a suspended world of rock.

Although never extremely technical, the route is long and physically demanding, requiring endurance and steady movement over exposed terrain.

At the end of the ferrata we descend toward Rifugio Alimonta for the night.

Approximate hiking time: 6–7 hours.

Day 3 – Bocchette Centrali to Rifugio Agostini

This option follows the classic continuation of the traverse through the famous Via Ferrata Bocchette Centrali, considered by many the finest via ferrata route in the Dolomites.

From Rifugio Alimonta we traverse spectacular natural ledges suspended beneath the towering walls of the Brenta Dolomites. The route is less physically demanding than the Bocchette Alte but incredibly scenic, with continuous exposure and breathtaking passages.

After reaching Rifugio Pedrotti around lunchtime, we continue southward through a wilder and quieter environment until reaching Rifugio Agostini for the night.

Approximate hiking time: 7 hours.

Day 4 – Via Ferrata Castiglioni and descent through Valagola

The final day crosses the southern sector of the Brenta group via the Via Ferrata Castiglioni.

From Rifugio Agostini we climb through rocky ledges and panoramic passages toward Rifugio XII Apostoli, one of the most beautiful hut locations in the Brenta Dolomites.

From the hut we descend along a scenic trail toward Lago di Valagola, surrounded by forests and steep limestone walls, before returning to Madonna di Campiglio with a short transfer.

Approximate hiking time: 6 hours.