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Fanes Waterfalls Hike and Via Ferrata

The Fanes Waterfall hike (Cascate di Fanes in Italian) winds through spectacular gorges in the Ampezzo Dolomites Regional Nature Park, north of Cortina. This loop trail follows the Rio Fanes and reveals an impressive succession of waterfalls. The main waterfall, which is nearly 100 meters high, is one of the most majestic in the Dolomites.

The route combines classic hiking with two short via ferrata sections, which allow you to walk behind the waterfalls along vertiginous ledges. This is an experience that is as unique as it is memorable.

Remarks

Parking: The main parking lot is located in Sant'Uberto along the SS51 road connecting Cortina d'Ampezzo to Dobbiaco. It is a paid lot (indicative rate in 2025: €8) with a height limit of 2.50 m.

Ideal time: June through October. The waterfalls are particularly impressive in late spring and early summer when snowmelt swells the flow. In the fall, you'll enjoy fewer crowds and the beautiful forest colors.

Equipment: Essential gear for completing the entire route safely includes via ferrata equipment (harness, lanyard, and helmet). If you don't have the necessary gear, opt for the classic Fanes Falls hike, which avoids the equipped sections.

Overcast weather: The route is perfect for overcast days with low cloud cover. Since the trail winds through the forest and the gorge, diffused light highlights the waterfalls and the canyon's colors particularly well.

Description and difficulties of the hike

The route includes two distinct via ferrata sections, both of which are rated as easy (purple line on the map between markers 1 and 2 and between 3 and 4). These sections total only 200 to 300 meters and run along ledges above the canyon with a few very short vertical sections.

From the Sant'Uberto parking lot, the trail begins with an easy approach of about one hour on a forest track through a coniferous forest dotted with botanical information signs. After reaching the panoramic viewpoint and crossing the first via ferrata, the route continues to Ponte Alto. This wooden bridge spans the canyon at the confluence of the Fanes and Travenanzes torrents, 80 meters above the confluence, and offers a bird's-eye view of the gorges.

The trail continues upstream along the Rio Fanes, passing from one waterfall to another amid rapids and pools of crystal-clear water. The final stretch toward the Sbarco de Fanes waterfall is more challenging and features a sustained climb through the forest.

This route's uniqueness lies in its two passages behind waterfalls. The first follows a ledge equipped with handlines beneath the main waterfall, and the second crosses the Sbarco de Fanes waterfall, which is the highlight of the hike. The rock is wet and slippery from the spray as you approach the falls, so caution and concentration are essential.

The trail is not marked, but there are directional signs at the main intersections. Nevertheless, I recommend downloading the GPX track to help with navigation.

What you'll love

The impressive Fanes Falls, one of the highest in the Dolomites, visible from several viewpoints along the canyon.
The passages behind the waterfalls: Equipped sections let you feel the force of the water just a few meters away.
The succession of waterfalls, rapids, and turquoise pools that punctuate the ascent of the Rio Fanes.
The lesser-known side of the Dolomites: steep-walled gorges, dense forest, and turbulent mountain streams, in stark contrast to the region's usual rocky landscapes.