Created in 1972 to celebrate the Centenery of SAT – the Trento Alpine Association – this ferrata is famous for its series of long vertical ladders.
As you head off from the centre of Riva del Garda towards the base of the ferrata, you can see the walls you are about to scale rising sheer above you.
Pass by Bastione and Capanna Santa Barbara to reach the beginning of the Via Ferrata. As you ascend the wall of Rocchetta you can see the roofs of Riva del Garda and the blue waters of Lake Garda beneath your feet. Although the long series of ladders, slightly overhanging in places, are not technically demanding, they do require determination and you must not suffer from a fear of heights.
After 1200 m of ascent, the view from Cima Sat extends from south to north, from the basin of Lake Garda to the entire Sarca Valley.
Facing a via ferrata requires knowledge of the right technique of progression and some training. If you want to try out this experience for the first time or check the use of the via ferrata set, we recommend that you contact one of our mountain guides: Guides – Via ferratas with the experts
For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Safety Tips
Choose the route based on your actual psycho-physical preparation, technical ability, and experience. Always assess the conditions of crowding, weather, the state of the fixed equipment, and the route. The final decision and responsibility for the passability of the route lie entirely with the person who decides to undertake it. If you are unsure, seek information or rely on qualified professionals.
Emergency telephone number 112.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Access
From Riva del Garda head up along the SAT404 trail until the mountain hut Capanna Santa Barbara, then continue along the SAT404B trail.
Route
After the first easy bolted slabs you come to the foot of a wall which you ascendby means of a 40 metres ladder (1). At the other end, you proceed on rockyoutcrops until you come to a big rock wall. A first ladder 15 metres long (2) takesyou to the 70 metres ladder (3). Finally, a short ladder of just 15 metres (4) takesyou into the woods and from there, a trail takes you to the rocky ridge boltedwith cables and ladders (5) which takes you to the summit of Cima SAT.
Return
There are two options:
• from the summit head down the other side along a bolted section until the fork in the trail, where you take the right-hand path, Sentiero dei Crazidei (SAT418), and then the SAT402 which descends to Riva del Garda.
• descend the bolted section as far as the fork and then head left over ledges bolted with metal cables on SAT413, leaving the trail for Bochet de Concolì on your right. Follow the trail SAT404 and reach, thanks to a short ladder (6) first the chapel of Santa Barbara, the mountain hut of the same name and then Riva del Garda.
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
A22 motorway, exit: Rovereto Sud - Lake Garda. Then SS240 in the direction of Riva del Garda.
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Free parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini).
Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti).
You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you absolutely have with you on a via ferrata tour?
