Ferrate di Casto

Overview

The Parco delle Fucine di Casto, in the province of Brescia, is a unique mountain activity hub in Italy, with free and unrestricted access. The area is not limited to the via ferratas - the focus of this report - but integrates a wide range of offerings: hiking trails, mountain bike routes, climbing crags, a zip line, and refreshment points. The recommended visiting period is during the shoulder seasons, but the itineraries generally remain accessible even in winter, except in cases of heavy snowfall. The equipped routes, while not technically climbable in the strict sense, are very exciting and excellent for training, offering a mix of physical effort and fun in an easily accessible setting.

Approach

The starting point for all activities is the large parking area that runs alongside the Parco delle Fucine, a short distance from the town of Casto. From the town center, take Via Marconi south; following the signs, you reach the area in about one kilometer. The GPS coordinates are 45.69123, 10.31118. Already from the parking lot, some park structures are visible, such as the equipped routes Colpo della Strega and Arcobaleno, as well as a characteristic suspension bridge that hints at the playground atmosphere.

Via Ferrata

This report describes the numerous equipped routes in the park, each with its own independent development. For each itinerary, the approach from the parking lot, the route itself, and the main technical characteristics are indicated, including length and elevation gain.

Ferrata 1 Located in the immediate vicinity of the kiosk, it climbs toward a recess in the Corna Zana known as the Casa delle Streghe. After an initial two-meter vertical pull, the route develops into a rather challenging diagonal traverse to the right, on a wall with increasing steepness and few natural holds, requiring continuous use of the steel cable. Reaching a first recess, the cable abruptly reverses direction to the left for an exposed horizontal traverse that leads to an edge, overcome with the help of stirrups on polished rock. The climb continues vertically on rungs, then traverses left to the end of the route (115 m, 28 m). The itinerary unfolds mainly on ledges and compact slabs, offering a continuous and physically demanding experience, with a tight rhythm right from the start.

Ferrata 2 From the kiosk, follow the blue trail toward Rifugio Paradiso. After about fifty meters, on the right, you'll spot the rocky wall of the route, the least demanding in the park. It starts from a dirt platform with a traverse first to the right then to the left, on good footholds. Continue alternating traverses to the right and left, gaining height and exposure with the help of rungs. Upon reaching a fork in the cable, you can continue to the right in a traverse or climb vertically (the described option). After about ten vertical meters, traverse to the right in a slight descent until meeting the cable coming up from below. The path continues in a traverse to an edge, rounded to the right in the most exciting passage of the route, then deposits you on a grassy area (61 m, 23 m). The route, developed on a gently sloping wall, has a didactic and panoramic character, ideal for a first approach to the vertical environment.

Ferrata 3 From the parking lot, reach the kiosk and continue on the trail toward Rifugio Paradiso, ignoring the deviation for Ferrata 2. After 50-100 meters, a sign indicates the access to Ferrata 3 and 4. Start by traversing to the right without major difficulties. The cable reverses direction, leading to the left, then climbs vertically on a rather challenging wall. At the top of this pull, there is a section of equipped trail. Re-attach with a long traverse to the left on very polished rock, requiring plenty of pull on the cable, aided by some rungs. After this traverse, the cable continues vertically on an airy and demanding wall, then diagonally to the right with another athletic traverse that leads to a small terrace. A final vertical wall and some climbable rock steps lead to the exit onto a trail (152 m, 78 m). At the next junction, right goes back to the parking lot, straight goes to the start of Ferrata 4. The route alternates technical sections on smooth slabs with more climbable sections, with a varied rhythm and increasing physical effort.

Ferrata 4 After the short connection from Ferrata 3, the route starts immediately vertically on well-gripped rock in the first meters. Then come more demanding and slightly overhanging sections. The climb continues on a rapidly airy edge, with rather difficult vertical passages, aided by rungs. A traverse to the right leads to the upper part of the wall, more climbable despite grassy and earthy sections, where the difficulty decreases and it's advisable to use the rock's irregularities. It ends on a section of equipped trail (60 m, 49 m). The track then joins the trail toward Rifugio Paradiso (right) or toward the Stretta di Luina (left). It is a short but intense itinerary, characterized by marked exposure from the start and technical progression on compact rock.

Ferrata 5 (Vertigo) From the rest area, head toward the Stretta di Luina. The start, marked by a sign with the name "Vertigo," is immediately very vertical. Climb on a series of slightly overhanging stirrups, seeking footholds on the right side. After this pull, turn right for a couple of meters and climb vertically on well-gripped rock. In strong exposure, traverse left before a final vertical climb that includes a challenging overhanging passage, aided by metal stirrups. The final part is again well-gripped (40 m, 25 m). Ahead appears the suspension bridge, about 30 meters long, quite swaying despite the transverse planks, used for the descent. The route is a concentration of physical effort on solid rock, with a relentless rhythm and a distinctly vertical character.

Ferrata 6 (Tasso) It is the farthest from the parking lot, reachable by following the signs for the Stretta di Luina, near Ferrata 5. From the sign with the name "Tasso," start with a traverse to the left using rungs and stirrups. After about ten meters, climb an overhanging section with stirrups, cover a few not-difficult vertical meters, and traverse left to the end (28 m, 25 m). Then cross the suspension bridge over the Stretta di Luina. Short but intense, this ferrata unfolds on a compact wall, offering a technical and physical experience in a small space.

Ferrata 7 It has a different development, descending, and joins halfway with Ferrata 8, representing a variant for the second half. From the end of the suspension bridge used by routes 5, 6, and 14, a short section of equipped trail leads to the cable that descends vertically. Start the exposed descent toward an edge to the left, which is rounded in an adrenaline-pumping passage that requires attention in finding footholds. Past this, follow a narrow grassy ledge to the left, then resume the vertical descent with rungs. The last meters are an oblique traverse with good footholds that leads to the base (60 m, 28 m). The itinerary, atypical in its descending development, requires an adaptation of technique and offers an inverse reading of the wall, enhancing its exposure.

Ferrata 8 Head toward the Stretta di Luina and, following the signs, turn left onto a partly equipped trail to the start, which coincides with the final descending section of Ferrata 7. Start with an oblique traverse to the right, then face a vertical section of increasing difficulty. Near a plant, a comfortable grassy ledge hosts the junction for Ferrata 7 on the right. Continuing straight, a vertical passage initially demanding due to the polished rock becomes more jagged. The key passage is a dark, polished wall of 4-5 meters that requires good arm strength. Past it, a traverse to the left with good footholds leads to a short vertical step where you meet Ferrata 9. Shortly after, a metal ship's ladder brings you with a final step to the grassy area above (68 m, 47 m). For the return, follow the trail to the right. The route is technical and physical, characterized by an alternation of smooth slabs and more articulated sections, with a rhythm that rewards consistency in progression.

Ferrata 9 It starts near Ferrata 8, in the area of the Stretta di Luina. It climbs on well-supported walls with good holds. After about fifteen meters, traverse left, then right, and face a more demanding vertical pull that leads to the base of the same ship's ladder as Ferrata 8 (68 m, 47 m). A few meters beyond the ladder, descend on the trail to the right. Developed on solid, well-structured rock, the route offers pleasant and continuous climbing, with a more traditional and less technical character compared to its neighbors.

Ferrata 10 The start is a few meters to the left of Ferrata 9. Begin with a diagonal ramp to the left, then climb vertically near a crack. A traverse to the left without major difficulties leads to a vertical section on compact rock (4-5 meters). From a grassy terrace, a demanding traverse to the left aided by rungs begins, ending with an exposed and difficult vertical climb. Past a notch that rounds a short overhang, continue vertically with demanding passages interspersed with a rocky terrace. A final diagonal traverse to the left leads to a grassy terrace near some plants. A final easy step concludes the route (60 m, 46 m). Return on the trail to the right. The itinerary presents a mix of techniques: friction climbing, use of rungs, and short climbing sections, on a varied morphology that alternates slabs, cracks, and terraces.

Ferrata 11 Located about 50 meters to the left of the start of Ferrata 10, it is one of the most demanding in the park. After the first meters supported to the left, you encounter a very vertical yellowish wall. The first meters are immediately very demanding and slightly overhanging. After 3 vertical meters, a demanding traverse to the right leads to a rocky terrace. The route resumes vertically and slightly overhanging near a crack, exiting to the right on an exposed oblique traverse with providential rungs. At the cable fork, the left variant climbs vertically, demanding and overhanging, requiring good arm strength. Reach a traverse to the left, very exposed, which leads to a crack. Climbing this, a diagonal traverse to the right in friction precedes less demanding passages. Near some plants, a final traverse to the right and some well-gripped steps conclude the route (58 m, 45 m). Return on the trail to the right. The ferrata stands out for the continuity of effort on compact and polished rock, with a tight rhythm and a physical-technical character that constantly challenges the upper body.

Ferrata 12 From the rest area, head in the opposite direction from the information kiosk, quickly reaching the marked start. Climb a well-gripped edge, then traverse to the right, rounding it. A traverse to the right leads to a short gully to ascend. Exiting, face a few vertical meters and a diagonal traverse to the right. Resume vertically, also using a plant as support, on a polished wall that requires arm strength. After a short traverse, an overhanging step with rungs leads to a more gripped climb up to a small earthy saddle. On the opposite side, there is a suspension bridge. Instead, climb vertically on a well-gripped pinnacle to the top, usually marked by a flag (65 m, 28 m). The return is made by descending back the last meters of the tower to the suspension bridge of almost 40 meters (quite wobbly), which you cross to descend near the parking lot. The itinerary combines climbing on live rock, airy passages, and the thrill of the suspension bridge, with a varied rhythm and a distinctly panoramic character.

Ferrata 12 bis The start is near the tunnel, in the opposite direction from the information kiosk. It begins immediately vertically and demandingly with a first overhanging passage on compact rock. Rounding an edge to the left, cross a monkey bridge (2 ropes) of about 8 meters. Then climb vertically on very polished rock using stirrups and rungs. After about fifteen meters, the cable bends left for a traverse with good footholds. A vertical climb on more jagged rock leads to an earthy terrace near a plant. An easy traverse from the terrace intercepts the ascending cable of Ferrata 12. Climbing a few not-difficult vertical meters, reach the saddle of Ferrata 12 (46 m, 26 m). From here, you can climb to the top or cross the suspension bridge. A technical and physical variant, it unfolds on smooth slabs and includes an element of balance on the monkey bridge, adding variety to the main route.

Ferrata 14 (Edera) The start is next to Ferrata 5, near the Stretta di Luina. From the wooden sign, climb immediately vertically on good rock, then traverse left with excellent footholds. The difficulty increases on a section of yellowish rock with a slightly overhanging traverse, followed by a vertical climb