Ferrata del Bunker

Overview

The Ferrata dei Militari, also known as the Ferrata del Bunker, runs along the sheer wall that borders the Gorges of San Gervasio, carved by the Dora Piccola stream near Claviere. The route begins just beyond the famous suspended Tibetan bridge, considered the longest in the world. The technical grade is not high, but the route unfolds in an extremely airy and exposed setting that demands a solid head for heights. The via follows a clear line of weakness in the compact limestone rock, alternating vertical sections with long horizontal traverses on ledges, offering an experience that is more scenic than athletic.

Approach

The main reference point for access is the ticket office for the Tibetan bridge of Claviere, in the upper Val di Susa (Turin), easily recognizable as a characteristic wooden kiosk. The most direct approach involves crossing the long suspended bridge "Sergio Bompard" (408 meters, plus a 70-meter approach section). Once past this spectacular walkway, you reach the start of the anchors in about 30 minutes from the parking lot. Alternatively, you can park near the campsite after the roundabout before the tunnel in Claviere; from there, a trail descends toward the children's ski lift, then climbs the opposite slope and heads left toward the gorge, with a walking time of about 25 minutes. This second option offers a different perspective on the canyon, approaching the route from below.

Via Ferrata

The equipped route begins with a short descending section before turning decisively to the right, climbing the compact wall. The exposure makes itself felt immediately, accompanying the hiker through challenging but never extreme passages, characterized by a sustained and continuous rhythm. The route continues with a particularly airy horizontal traverse suspended above the river, well-equipped with stirrups, leading to the foot of a sloping ramp. This sequence of traverse and ramp defines the character of the itinerary: more focused on managing exposure and maintaining continuous movement than on pure physical strength. After overcoming the ramp with the help of metal stirrups, you tackle a short vertical climb before arriving on a ledge. This wide, comfortable ledge leads near the entrance of the military bunker that gives the route its name; although it is often lit, it is recommended to bring a headlamp. Exiting the bunker, you find yourself near a third suspended bridge, also of considerable length, which leads to the opposite side where the via ferrata ends. The time for the equipped section is about 1 hour from the start, for a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes from the departure, in a succession of passages that are never technical but always very scenic.

Descent

From the end of the last Tibetan bridge, a short and easy descent quickly leads back toward the initial ticket office, taking about 15 minutes. The entire loop, including the via ferrata and approach, requires about 2 hours total, confirming itself as a short but emotionally intense itinerary.

Useful Notes

Although it does not present significant technical difficulties, the Ferrata del Bunker is characterized by continuous exposure and the presence of three Tibetan bridges, elements that make it unsuitable for those who suffer from vertigo. At the ticket office of the bridge in Claviere, it is possible to rent complete via ferrata equipment (helmet, harness, and lanyard set). Due to its brevity and technical accessibility, this route can easily be combined with other via ferratas in the area, such as the more challenging Ferrata di Rocca Clarì, to create a more complex loop. Also starting from Claviere are the Ferrata della Batteria Bassa (of lower difficulty) and its extension toward the Batteria Alta and Chaberton, forming a combination of three via ferratas for a more demanding experience.