Gran Cir Via Ferrata, Dolomites: Ultimate Picture Guide + Map

The Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze), the highest peak in the Cir Group at 2,592 metres, is located in the Puez-Odle Nature Park and boasts some of the most stunning views in the Italian Dolomites.

With its easy difficulty (graded A), the Gran Cir (meaning Big Cir) Via Ferrata is an excellent choice for beginners, including children. Its convenient starting point and manageable challenges make it a great option for those seeking an introduction to via ferratas.

We combined the Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via ferrata with the Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via ferrata, starting on Pitla Cir. My two children, ages 10 and 13, absolutely nailed both routes.

Note: Always check official sources for the latest information on the via ferrata route’s accessibility before you set out on your adventure.

Table of Contents

How To Use This Map: Click the Tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the Layers. You can click the Tick Boxes to hide or show Layers. If you click the Icons on the map, you can get more information about each activity/point of interest. If you click the Star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your computer or phone, open Google Maps, click the Menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and this map will appear on your list.

Stats for the Gran Cir Via Ferrata

Start/Finish: Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch)
Distance: 2.8 km
Difficulty: A
Wire Length: 100 m
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Ascent/Descent: 461 m
Minimum Elevation: 2117 m
Maximum Elevation: 2592 m
Mountain Group: Puez Group
Map: Tabacco 05 – Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi / Gröden – Seiseralm or Tabacco 07 – Alta Badia Arabba / Marmolada
Route Map & Stats, GPX File: View Route Map & Stats and Download GPX File
Parking: Passo Gardena parking | Open in Google Maps

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) (blue) and **Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) (red)** Via Ferrata – Route Map

Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) Via Ferrata – Elevation Profile

Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via Ferrata Elevation Profile (right-half)

Where to park for the Gran Cir Via Ferrata

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) | Passo Gardena (Groedner Joch) — Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via Ferrata | Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch) Parking

The car park at Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch) is the starting point to access the Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via ferrata. Parking is available on both sides of the road (charges apply). Due to high demand during the summer months (July and August), it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a parking space.

Getting to the Start of the Gran Cir via Ferrata

Approach from Passo Gardena by foot

From Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch), follow trail number 2B for a 30-minute hike to Gran Cir.

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via Ferrata | — Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via Ferrata | Sign-Post to Gran Cir

At the junction, turn left onto path number 12A and follow it towards Dantercëpies for about 5-10 minutes.

Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via Ferrata | Sign-Post towards Dantercëpies

Approach from Passo Gardena via chairlift

Alternatively, save yourself 30 minutes of hiking by taking the Cir chairlift from Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch), which is what we did. At the top of the chairlift, follow path no. 12A towards Colfosco (Kolfuschg).

Needless to say, my kids loved the chairlift ride…!

Approach from Pitla Cir

If you’re planning to combine the two Cir via ferratas, I recommend starting with Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) and then continuing to Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze), as we did. This way, you’ll tackle the more challenging route first and enjoy an easier climb on the second one.

After completing Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze), instead of descending all the way to path no. 12A, turn left onto a clearly marked higher path. Follow this path until you reach the starting point for Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze).

Tip: For an even more adventurous day, consider combining the Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via ferrata with the nearby, slightly more difficult Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via ferrata – that’s exactly what we did! The reward for your efforts is a truly breathtaking panorama that won’t disappoint.

Climbing the Gran Cir Via Ferrata

After the chairlift ride, it’s a 15-minute hike on path no. 12A to the start of the via ferrata. The route is marked with red paint dots and features sections of cable protection. However, some parts are steep hikes instead of full-fledged via ferrata. It’s a beginner-friendly route rated A.

The initial section is a steep, unexposed hike.

Shortly after, the route becomes cable-protected.

The cable protection along the route is sporadic, but it doesn’t pose any problems.

A glimpse to the southwest reveals breathtaking views of Sassolungo (Langkofel).

Follow the route marked with red arrows and dots.

Upon reaching the peak of Gran Cir, enjoy the incredible 360-degree views. The Sella Group is situated to the south, and Sassolungo (Langkofel) is to the southwest.

Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via Ferrata | Gran Cir Peak

And a glance north reveals Val de Chedul, Mont Seura, and the distant Puez peaks.

Nestled between Mont Seura (the plateau at the front) and the Puez peaks (in the distance) lies Vallunga (Langental), a popular destination for day hikes and the starting point for our 5-day hut-to-hut hike, The Puez-Odle Altopiano: A Multi-Day Hut-to-Hut Hike in the Dolomites.

Descending the Gran Cir via Ferrata

The Gran Cir via ferrata descent follows the same route as the ascent. Simply retrace your steps to the starting point.

Tip: If you’re planning to climb Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) next, don’t retrace your steps all the way down to path no. 12A. Instead, turn right and follow a higher footpath that will lead you directly to the base of Pitla Cir. You’ll easily spot the clear footpath ahead as you approach it. This is the route we took (in the opposite direction) and is also visible on the map above.

Looking back to the Cir peaks.

Essential Via Ferrata Gear

For a safe and fun via ferrata experience, having the right gear is essential. You’ll need the following:

Helmet (adults) / (kids)
Harness (adults) / (kids)
Via Ferrata Set
Via Ferrata Gloves
Hiking Shoes/Hiking Boots/Approach Shoes

Where to Hire Via Ferrata Gear in Val Gardena (Gröden)?

If you don’t want to invest in your own via ferrata gear just yet, renting is a convenient option. Many local shops offer a helmet, harness, and via ferrata set rentals.

We had a fantastic experience renting our equipment and received exceptional service from Mountain Guides Catores in Ortisei (St. Ulrich), Val Gardena. You can also hire a mountain guide there.

Resources

To plan our 7 epic via ferrata adventures in the Dolomites, Cicerone’s Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites Vol 1: 75 routes – north, central and east ranges provided invaluable details.

FAQs

What is a Via Ferrata?
A via ferrata (Klettersteig) is a protected climbing route that combines hiking and climbing. Often referred to as an “iron path,” it is equipped with steel cables, rungs, and ladders, allowing climbers to ascend challenging terrain while minimising fall risks. Climbers secure themselves to the cables using a harness and via ferrata equipment.

Is the Gran Cir via ferrata safe?
While the Gran Cir via ferrata is generally considered safe, like all via ferratas, it carries inherent risks such as falls, rockfall and unpredictable weather conditions. To minimise these hazards, it’s crucial to use the correct equipment and adhere to safety guidelines. Proper preparation, equipment and skill are essential for enjoying a safe and successful climb.

What fitness level is required for the Gran Cir via ferrata?
The Gran Cir via ferrata is a relatively easy route, graded A, and is suitable for individuals with reasonable fitness levels.

Can you take children on the Gran Cir via ferrata?
Absolutely! The Gran Cir via ferrata is a great option for families with children. My own children, ages 10 and 13, thoroughly enjoyed it. Both the Gran Cir and the neighbouring Pitla Cir are excellent choices for introducing children and beginners to via ferratas. However, the suitability of a specific via ferrata for a child depends on individual factors. It’s essential to assess your child’s abilities and comfort level before deciding if a particular route is appropriate.

What equipment do I need for the Gran Cir via ferrata?
For the Gran Cir via ferrata, you’ll need a harness, helmet, via ferrata set (which includes two lanyards with karabiners), and gloves.

Do I need any previous experience for the Gran Cir via ferrata?
While no prior climbing experience is necessary to tackle the Gran Cir via ferrata, being comfortable with heights and having a basic level of fitness is helpful. Many people embark on their first via ferrata without any previous experience. However, it’s advisable to choose a route that suits your abilities and competence level.

Do you need a guide for the Gran Cir via ferrata climb?
The Gran Cir via ferrata is a relatively easy route, graded A, and is often described as more of a protected hike than a full-fledged via ferrata. If you’re comfortable with heights, you can likely complete it without a guide. However, if you’re unsure or have limited experience, hiring a qualified guide is highly recommended, such as Mountain Guides Catores.

What does the grade of the Gran Cir via ferrata mean?
This article uses the Schall scale to indicate the difficulty of the via ferrata climb. The Gran Cir via ferrata is graded A.

The Schall scale is a popular system for grading via ferrata difficulty in Europe, using letters (A to E) to represent increasing levels of challenge. Below is an overview of the German and French scales, with comparison with the Austrian and Italian ones as presented by the The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA).

Via Ferrata Difficulty Scale | Source: https://theuiaa.org/documents/sport/Via-Ferrata-Brief-History-and-Difficulties.pdf

Where to stay in Val Gardena (Gröden)

Val Gardena (Gröden), nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the main areas to consider (from west to east):

Ortisei (St. Ulrich): As the largest town in Val Gardena, Ortisei offers a vibrant atmosphere, a wide range of accommodation options, and convenient access to amenities. We chose Ortisei as our base and thoroughly enjoyed its lively character and central location.

S. Cristina (St. Christina): Those seeking a quieter escape will appreciate Santa Cristina’s charming village setting and proximity to stunning mountain scenery.

Selva (Wolkenstein): A lively hub surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, offering a wide range of activities and accommodation options.

Final Words

The Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via ferrata offers some of the most amazing views in the Dolomites, with the Sella Group and Sassolungo as a stunning backdrop.

As one of the easiest via ferratas, it’s perfect for beginners and families.

However, if you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge and have limited time, I’d recommend it’s neighbour the Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via ferrata. It offers a more exciting experience while still providing breathtaking views.

Happy via ferrata’ing!

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