Ferrata della Memoria at Vajont: an experience of history and nature

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A route born from remembrance

The Dolomites, in addition to their renowned beauty, are also famous for their spectacular via ferratas, which attract thousands of enthusiasts from around the world every year. However, regular visitors know that at the beginning of the season, many high-altitude ferratas remain inaccessible due to snow or cold. At the same time, in the height of summer, the most popular routes often become overcrowded. In both situations, it is worth looking beyond the Dolomites to the Vajont, where the Ferrata della Memoria offers an excellent option: already accessible in spring and autumn, and far less congested during the peak months.

More than just a lesser-known route, the Ferrata della Memoria at Vajont is also an itinerary that combines sport, nature, and historical remembrance. Inaugurated on October 2, 2015, it is more than an equipped route: it is a path that preserves the memory of a tragedy. Conceived by Fabio Bristot, “Rufus,” delegate of the Dolomiti Bellunesi Mountain Rescue, it was created to commemorate—through sport—the victims of the Vajont disaster of 1963.

The Ferrata della Memoria is not just another equipped route: it is a true vertical monument. Conceived by Fabio Bristot “Rufus”, delegate of the Dolomiti Bellunesi Mountain Rescue, it was created to commemorate, also through sport, the victims of the Vajont tragedy of 1963.

It is also worth taking the time, after the climb, to stop in the nearby village of Casso. Here, among the narrow alleys of this ancient mountain hamlet, you can taste a few simple local products: a small gesture that helps support the local economy in villages that still bear the marks of the tragedy and where daily life has never been easy.

The project was made possible thanks to the cross-border initiative “SaferAlps,” with contributions from DolomitiCert, CAI Veneto, the University of Salzburg, and the Mountain Rescue Service. The installation was carried out by the Alpine Guides of Cortina, who brought decades of experience in building and maintaining some of the most famous via ferratas in the Dolomites.

Thanks to this work, today the Vajont dam can be observed from a new perspective: the sporting one. This perspective not only invites reflection on past mistakes but also highlights the potential of a territory that still has much to offer.

Why choose the Ferrata della Memoria

Presenting the Ferrata della Memoria as an alternative to the most popular Dolomite ferratas does not diminish its value—quite the opposite. There are at least three good reasons to add it to your list:

Less crowded than the great classics: those who have climbed iconic ferratas such as the Tomaselli or the Lipella know how congested they can get in the middle of summer. Here, the experience remains more intimate and personal.
Ideal in spring and autumn: when the high Dolomites are still snow-covered or too cold, the Ferrata della Memoria offers enjoyable climbing days in a fascinating environment that is already accessible.
It combines sport and reflection: during the climb, the Vajont dam can only be glimpsed in certain sections. It does not dominate the entire route, but a few glimpses are enough to recall its memory.

Approach and itinerary

The starting point of the ferrata is easily accessible from State Road 251, which connects Longarone to Erto. From the village of Codissago, drive up to the sixth hairpin bend, where a sign indicates the route. A small road then leads to a parking area, which also serves as the trailhead.

From the parking area, clear signage directs you to turn right, avoiding the tunnel. In a few minutes, you reach the Vajont gorge.

The ferrata does not start here yet: first, you must pass through two tunnels (a headlamp is essential), after which you reach the actual starting point of the route.

From there, the itinerary alternates between vertical and exposed sections and then features equipped ledges.

The crux of the route is approximately 100 meters of steep, exposed climbing, followed by a second section that is easier but still requires good technique. The route extends for approximately 700 meters, featuring an elevation gain of 260 meters. The exposure is south-facing, therefore sunny.

Difficulty: medium/difficult (EEA-D).
Ascent time: about 2h15.
Descent time: From the end of the ferrata, there are two possible descent options. After a few minutes, you reach a junction: turning right, you descend quickly to the SR 251, near the dam and the historic Erto crag. From there, follow the road and, at the exit of the last tunnel, take the trail that leads back to the parking area (about 45 minutes). Alternatively, from the junction you can continue climbing a little further before descending along the S. Antoni trail, which brings you back to the parking area in about 1 hour.
Recommended gear: full ferrata kit, helmet, gloves, approach shoes, and a headlamp.

An all-round experience

Climbing the Ferrata della Memoria also means coming into contact with the history and culture of the area.

In fact, you can also visit the Longarone Vajont Museum – Attimi di Storia, explore the picturesque villages of Casso and old Erto, and, why not, enjoy a food and wine break linked to a unique tradition: Longarone’s artisan gelato.

For this reason, the Ferrata della Memoria is not just a route to climb, but an opportunity to live a complete experience, combining memory, nature, and authentic flavors.

A memory that goes beyond the via ferrata

Walking the Ferrata della Memoria also means coming face to face with the history of the Vajont. These places are more than just the setting for a remarkable route: they still bear the traces of a tragedy that profoundly affected this area and the people who lived here.

The video below is historical footage filmed shortly after the disaster of 9 October 1963. The images show the reality of those days and, perhaps more powerfully than words, help convey the scale of the tragedy and the importance of preserving the memory that gives this route its name.

Warning: the video contains real and particularly distressing images of the aftermath of the Vajont disaster.

Conclusion: a different choice

The Ferrata della Memoria is an invitation to experience the mountains with awareness and respect. It is not meant to replace the great Dolomite classics, but to offer a smart alternative when those are too crowded or not yet accessible.

Those who climb it will not only bring home the satisfaction of a well-designed ferrata, but also an indelible memory: that of a place that calls for respect, remembrance, and love for the mountains.