The Brigata Tridentina Route, or Via Ferrata Pisciadù (for its vicinity to the homonymous mountain), is famous due to the short access, the wonderful backdrop it offers and the spectacular climbing passages as well as its highlight, a suspension bridge over the gap. The crowning closure is the mountain hut which invites us to stop, and the breathtaking descent through the Val Mezdì valley.

Starting point for this tour is the parking area at the Passo Gardena mountain pass. The walk to the access is short and leads to the lower Pisciadù Waterfall. A graduated ramp proceeds to a rest point at the waterfalls - the emergency exit of the fixed-rope-route is located nearby and comes out onto a hiking path. The first part of the Brigata Tridentina Route, also called Via Ferrata Pisciadù, runs right along the waterfall and is secured by wire-cables and some rungs, leading to a ladder section and a small overhang. Now we have overcome the most demanding sections.

On the ridge of the Exner Tower we proceed to the true highlight of the tour, located at the end of the Brigata Tridentina Route: a little shaky suspension bridge, which is of course also a very popular photo subject. Once overcome this bridge, a 10 minutes' walk is left, until reaching the Rif. Pisciadù mountain hut with its small lake at 2,583 m a.s.l.

The way down takes us into the Val Mezdì valley and along the path no. 676 towards east to the majestic rock faces of the Masores peaks. Another possibility is the path no. 666 via the Val Setus. If you would like to extend the tour, you can climb the 2,985 m high peak of the Cima Pisciadù.

Please note: uniquely beautiful via ferrata with spectacular descent and some highlights. Due to the fact that this fixed-rope route is extremely popular, it is also very crowded. If you can, avoid doing this tour at the weekends and start very early in the morning!

Author: JO

Altitude difference (via ferrata only) : 530 m
Exposition: N
Level of difficulty: C
Access: 15 minutes