Alta Via 2 (day 3): Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadú + Via Ferrata Gran Cir, Piz da Cir V, Brigata Tridentina

Last Updated on 3 September 2026

Deviating from the classic AV2 trail almost immediately, today’s adventure route ascends to the broad summit of Sass da Ciampac for staggering views back across the vast limestone plateau. From there, descend into Passo Gardena, one of the most iconic valleys in the Dolomites, where towering limestone walls and uninterrupted views of the Sella Group create an unforgettable alpine backdrop for two scenic beginner-friendly via ferrata: Gran Cir and Piz da Cir V.

Amidst non-stop mountain scenery, the highlight of the day is undoubtedly Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina, an adventurous and moderately difficult route leading directly to Rifugio Pisciadù. Featuring sustained vertical climbing, dizzying exposure, and an iconic suspension bridge high above the valley floor, this is easily one of the best via ferrata in the Dolomites and not to be missed!

This comprehensive guide to Day 3 of Alta Via 2 contains detailed section times, route recommendations, adventurous side trips, via ferrata, and heaps of insider tips— use it to plan your hike & then refer back on the trail so you always know what to expect!

All my AV2 knowledge in one place: Alta Via 2: complete hiking + via ferrata route guide

Alta Via 2: Day 3 overview

• Trail hours: 8hrs (4.5hrs without 2x via ferrata)
• Distance: 14km (12.5km without 2x via ferrata)
• Elevation gain & loss: 1500m gain & 1380 loss (1140m gain & 1020m loss without 2x via ferrata)
• Via ferrata en route: Brigata Tridentina (one-way; challenging)— refer to Tabacco Map 07 & Cicerone Vol.1 (routes 27, 26 & 28, respectively)
• Side trips: Via Ferrata Gran Cir (up & back; easy), Via Ferrata Piz da Cir V (small loop; moderate) 
• Huts: Rifugio Pisciadú

*Trail times reflect the time we spent hiking, excluding extended breaks where we removed our backpacks to eat lunch, relax on the summit, or otherwise luxuriate along the trail. These figures are best used to understand realistic minimum hiking times between major waypoints, but we recommend factoring in 1-2hrs of additional time every day to properly enjoy the route!

Rifugio Püez to Forcela di Cir via Sass da Ciampac (2.5hrs)

Leaving the hut early this morning for an adventure-filled day, the trail meanders gently along a grassy plateau, peering occasionally to the deep valley floor some thousand metres below. 

The scenery is incredibly dramatic, especially as you descend a trail that seems almost to be suspended in the air. After 45min, you’ll reach a junction— continue straight for the classic AV2 route, but head left for a recommended alternative that climbs to the summit of Sass da Ciampac for incredible views.

If you’re following my custom AV2 adventure route, the best way to stay on track is with my custom-built AV2 GPS map— packed with detailed daily tracks, 168+ waypoints, all the side trips & via ferrata described in this guide, detours to avoid challenging sections, plus extensive trail notes to help you navigate AV2 like an expert. UPDATED SEPT 2026 BASED ON USER FEEDBACK!

Available in both JSON and GPX formats, the map works seamlessly with GPS apps like CalTopo, Gaia, and AllTrails, or with Garmin devices and watches. Head to my storefront to purchase the map!

Allow around 1hr from the junction at Forcella de Ciampac to reach the broad summit of Sass da Ciampac, where sweeping views extend back across the vast limestone plateau surrounding Rifugio Puez— a perspective that few hikers on AV2 experience!

Descend steeply from the summit to rejoin the main trail just before a wooden gate, which leads into a broad basin of pale limestone and scattered boulders. Continue downhill before a short climb brings you to a second gate at Forcella di Cir around 30min later.

After 2 days of relative solitude, the sudden appearance of dozens of hikers is unmistakable! From here, prepare to share the trail as you continue towards spectacular Passo Gardena.

Forcella di Cir to Jimmi Hütte (30min)

From the bustling Forcella di Cir, it’s a quick drop on a rocky trail to reach Jimmi Hütte, which serves a number of well-rated food and drink options on their breathtaking balcony looking right out onto the striking Sella Group. 

Via Ferrata Gran Cir (1A/easy; 1hr)

Summiting the highest peak in the Cir Group, the very easy but incredibly scenic Via Ferrata Gran Cir provides the perfect warm-up for the more challenging routes still to come today! The route features only modest exposure and no true vertical climbing, so it’s well suited to all experience levels.

From Jimmi Hütte, follow the trail for about 10min before turning right at a subtly marked junction (look for the low sign reading “AVS CIR”). Climb the steep, rocky path to the summit in around 30min, allowing another 30min to descend along the same route.

**Today’s itinerary features 3 via ferrata routes: 2 optional out-and-back climbs + the unforgettable Brigata Tridentina en route to Rifugio Pisciadù. If you’re short on time or energy, I’d recommend skipping Gran Cir in favour of nearby Via Ferrata Piz da Cir V, which is even more exciting (while still being a moderate route).

Via Ferrata Piz da Cir V (2A/moderate; 1hr)

More adventurous, more scenic, and more vertical than Gran Cir, the ascent to Piz da Cir V (also called Tcheirspitze V) rewards climbers with spectacular views over Passo Gardena and the towering Sella Group. Although extremely popular (and often packed with tourists), it’s one of the best moderate via ferrata along AV2!

From the junction with Via Ferrata Gran Cir, continue a short distance along the main trail before branching up and right on a steep approach to Via Ferrata Piz da Cir V.

The route involves considerably more scrambling than Gran Cir, with longer cable-protected sections and increased exposure, but remains an approachable climb for confident beginners. Allow around 40min to reach the summit (longer if you’re caught behind a long queue of climbers).

A dedicated descent route leads off the opposite side of the peak, with fewer cables and more scree, taking about 20min to drop back to the main trail right at Dantercëpies (a great place to grab a beer!) and the Cir cable car. If you want to give your knees a little break or just save some time, you can shave off about 200m of descent by taking the cable car down to Passo Gardena for just 6€.

Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina (3B/difficult; 3.5hrs)

Brigata Tridentina is the undisputed highlight of today’s stage and (in many people’s opinion!) one of the best via ferrata in the Dolomites. Combining more than 400m of vertical climbing with exhilarating exposure, endless ladders, pegs, and stemples, plus the iconic suspension bridge between Torre Exner and Mur de Pisciadù, it delivers non-stop excitement all the way to Rifugio Pisciadú!

From the lower cable car station at Passo Gardena, it’s a somewhat steep 20min ascent to a trail junction in the scree field. By afternoon, dozens of hikers are descending from the via ferrata and the ascent path straight ahead/left (not up!) is practically empty. 

At this junction, the standard AV2 route ascends up a large, rocky gully (no gear needed), while my recommended adventure route heads left towards Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina.

>>> New to via ferrata? Read this post: Introduction to via ferrata + complete via ferrata gear list

Follow signs towards Rifugio Pisciadú that specify “Via Ferrata/Kleitersteig”. The trail leads you below the high limestone walls and, after about 45min of hiking, connect onto cables that continue for more than 400m of sustained climbing.

Built in 1960 by the Italian Army, Brigata Tridentina is considered the most popular via ferrata in the Dolomites and we’d heard plenty of stories about long lines and tediously slow crowds, but were entirely alone on the cables by about 4pm. This is yet another reason I’d recommend stopping to complete the 2 earlier via ferrata and arriving here later in the day!

>>> See my other favourites: 10 best via ferrata routes in the Italian Dolomites

Before the final stretch (about 2hrs from Passo Gardena), there is a bail-out marked as “easy climb” that avoids the most challenging via ferrata, but also many of the route highlights. Stay the course and continue upwards for another 40min!

Once off the cable, it’s a gradual 15min ascent to Rifugio Pisciadú, where a well-earned meal and a deep sleep await.

Night 3: Rifugio Pisciadú 

Situated beneath the soaring Sella Group and Pisciadú Peak, Rifugio Pisciadú was among my favourite huts (and the approach on Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina definitely influenced that!). 

The views are wonderful, the dining room is cozy and intimate, the food is simple but hearty, and the rooms are very comfortable. Our family of 3 managed to get a 6-bed dorm all to ourselves, which meant double pillows and double blankets for me. Reserve Rifugio Pisciadú on their website.

• Rooms: 33/39€ (dorms/small rooms) OR 70/75€ (dorms/small rooms)
• Food: A la carte (approx 10-15€ for dinner, 14€ for 1L of wine, 4.5€ Aperol spritz, 12€ breakfast) or half board
• Showers: 3€ for 4min (4-6pm only)
• Connectivity: Wifi & weak mobile signal
• Alpine club discount: -14.5€ room only OR -10€ half board

For more information on what to expect in a mountain hut & how to prepare for your stay: Everything you need to know about mountain huts (rifugi) in the Italian Dolomites

Read more about Alta Via 2

• start here ->Detailed AV2 Route Guide
• Alta Via 2 (day 1): Bressanone to Rifugio Genova + Via Ferrata Sass di Putia
• Alta Via 2 (day 2): Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez + Via Ferrata Piz Duleda
• Alta Via 2 (day 3): Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadú + Via Ferrata Gran Cir, Piz da Cir V, Brigata Tridentina
• Alta Via 2 (day 4): Rifugio Pisciadú to Piz Boè + Cima Pisciadú
• Alta Via 2 (day 5): Piz Boè to Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada 
• Alta Via 2 (day 6): Lago di Fedaia to San Pellegrino + Via Ferrata delle Trincee
• Alta Via 2 (day 7): Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
• Alta Via 2 (day 8): Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Pradidali
• Alta Via 2 (day 9): Rifugio Pradidali to Rifugio Treviso + Via Ferrata Porton & Nico Gusella
• Alta Via 2 (day 10): Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda + Via Ferrata Canalone
• Alta Via 2 (day 11): Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz
• Alta Via 2 (day 12): Rifugio Boz to Croce d’Aune
• navigate confidently on & off the trail ->AV2 adventure route GPS map! (updated Sept 2026)