Ferrata Cima Ora

Overview

This short and easy route reaches the evocative remains of a World War I fort via two equipped sections. It is an ideal choice for a first approach to the world of via ferrata, offering an experience of progression on fixed cables in a historically fascinating setting. The excursion is located in the Lake Idro area, in the province of Brescia, starting from the Rifugio Rosa di Beremone in the municipality of Anfo.

Approach

The starting point is the parking area at the Rifugio Rosa di Beremone, situated above Anfo on the eastern shore of Lake Idro. From here, head up the road toward Passo Beremone. On the north side, near the refuge, you'll find a dirt track. Take this track, immediately ignoring the first marked trail (CAI 404) that branches off to the left. Continue along the dirt track to a fork, where you keep left. Just beyond, at a subsequent junction, continue straight, ignoring a path on the left. Within a few meters, the first fixed cables appear, climbing up to the left. The approach from the parking area takes about 15 minutes.

Via Ferrata

The equipped section begins with a short passage where the cable essentially serves as a handrail. You then pass beneath a distinctive natural rock arch, before tackling a red metal ladder on the right. Once past the ladder, a short but steep trail leads directly to the ruins of the Great War military fort, now in a state of abandonment. The time to complete the ferrata from the start of the fixed cables is just 10 minutes, for a total of about 25 minutes from leaving the parking area.

Descent

From the fort ruins, descend eastward along a well-defined path that soon intersects another trail. At this point, turn left, quickly finding yourself back at the last junction encountered during the approach. From here, simply retrace the outward path back to the Rifugio Rosa di Beremone. The descent from the end of the ferrata takes about 20 minutes, bringing the total excursion time to around 45 minutes.

Useful Notes

This is an easy and short excursion with a basic equipped section, ideal for beginners who want to experience the via ferrata environment in maximum safety. Be mindful of high temperatures during the summer months, given the exposure to the sun. The Lake Idro area is rich in equipped routes for all levels, from simple trails to challenging via ferratas.