Via Ferrata Innerkofler - Monte Paterno

From the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot (2,330 m), take the wide trail no. 101 eastward beneath the south faces of the Tre Cime. Pass the Cappella degli Alpini and the Rifugio Lavaredo, then cross the Forcella Lavaredo (2,454 m). Here, you'll get your first view of the north faces of the three peaks and Monte Paterno. The trail then descends toward Rifugio Locatelli (2,450 m), reached after about 1 hour 15 minutes of walking.

The start of the via ferrata is located just above the refuge. Pass the base of a distinctive pinnacle nicknamed Frankfurter Wurstl ("Frankfurt sausage"), which marks the entrance to a system of tunnels dug during World War I. The first tunnel has a low ceiling and a few natural openings. The second tunnel is about 300 m long, so a headlamp is essential as the light from the openings is insufficient. You will emerge onto the east face at around 2,500 meters, at the base of the via ferrata.

The via ferrata starts with a rock step with good handholds, a ledge, and a gully that leads to the Forcella dei Camosci (2,680 m). A 20-minute round trip from there takes you to the summit cross of Monte Paterno (2,744 m) via a final equipped section. The panorama includes the north faces of the Tre Cime, the Cadini di Misurina group, and the numerous jagged peaks of the Sesto Dolomites—an exceptional view.

Back at Forcella dei Camosci, switch to the southeast face of Monte Paterno. The descent begins in an unequipped scree gully and continues along a narrow ledge, also without cables. This second section is less frequented. You move through an unusual silence, surrounded by vertical walls whose sheer scale is dizzying. You then alternate between equipped ledges and short tunnels, with the Tre Cime constantly in view — certainly one of the most beautiful vantage points in the park. Finally, you emerge at Forcella Lavaredo, where you rejoin trail no. 101, which takes you back to Rifugio Auronzo via the outward route.