21. Via Ferrata Renè de Pol (2,385 m)

Arrival and starting point

To Dobbiaco, turn left and go further to Carbonin and Cimabanche until you arrive at the Albergo Ospitale (1.475m, parking possibility on the roadside next to the Albergo).

Difficulty and general information

An easy ferrata on the traces of World War I. About the half of the ascent is secured with steel ropes, the rest is exposed terrain (in case of big rush also thrown object hazard). The last part of the ascent, as well as the descent, is steep and slippery. In case of fog and heavy rain avoid this tour, because you have to traverse some washed out channels. In the early summer months, hard snow can cover the north hill side (risk of slip off). A good orientation is necessary for this ferrata. There is no drinking water along the whole way.

Access

From Ospitale (signpost number 208) on the cycle path ca. one kilometre in direction Dobbiaco. Attention: turn right before the second wood bridge (there is no indication). Very steep across a trail through the forest upwards, following the red dots, and arrived at ca. 1.800m, turn left and cross over a ditch. Continue until you arrive at a lonely birch (crossover way of descent). Further on the path on the left and you arrive at some ruins of the World War I at the foot of a vertical wall (wall book of the ferrata) and at the begin of the ferrata.

Route-Information

A good orientation is necessary for this ferrata, a small red dot is often the only sign on the track. The walking passages are moderate exposed, but because of broken stones, it could be very slippery (risk of fall). Through a last channel you arrive at the exit of the ferrata and you go further on the left until you arrive at the highest point (Forame de Inze, 2.385m). Continue in northeast direction underneath the walls of the Forame de For a. Upwards to the ridge, passing the Forcella Gialla (2.380m) and further to the Forcella Verde (2.380m).

Characteristic and technical details

A short, lonely and shady ferrata with, in partial, new steel ropes and hooks. After the access to the ferrata there is a short ladder and in the middle part some iron brackets. The ascent is located in the nature park of the Dolomiti Ampezzane and offers wonderful and panoramic views to the most beautiful side of the Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo as well as to the Cristallo gruppo and Tofane. Along the route there are numberless relicts of the World War. Do not underestimate the ascent and descent – both require a good physical condition, a well sense of orientation and food sureness.

Descent

Ca. 50 meters underneath the Forcella Verde starts the steeply descent on the right side across the scree (traces not well visible – ca. 180m downwards over the rubble). At the end of the cirque, on the right side between the mountain pines, there is a sign with the indication “Ospitale”. Further downwards along the food of the mountain, until you arrive at the lonely birch (way of access) and back to the starting point across the route of advance. Alternatively, from the Forcella Verda across the path number 223 in direction Cimabanche and further on the cycle path back to Ospitale (ca. 4km).