Italian Alps · Trentino

Ferrata delle Aquile on Paganella

The Eagle Path above the Adige Valley.

Immersed in Trentino

With the German side of our family, we often travel to Trentino, usually using the small town of Arco as our base camp. Its central location near Lake Garda makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the region and enjoying the wide range of outdoor activities available nearby. From Arco to Andalo—the starting point of the adventure—is only about a one-hour drive away, covering roughly 55 kilometres. This makes the Ferrata delle Aquile an easy and accessible full-day activity from Lake Garda.

The Mission

Climb the one-way Ferrata delle Aquile from Canalone Battisti to the Trono dell’Aquila.

Ferrata details

Location: Cima Paganella, Trentino
Starting point: Andalo
Maximum altitude: approximately 2,125 m
Via ferrata time: approximately 2 hours
Total outing: approximately 3–5 hours
Difficulty: A–C, with optional D–E variants
Best suited for: experienced via ferrata users

The plan was simple: Drive to Paganella ski area and together with combination of cable car and chairlift reach the top of Cima Paganella follow the trail and complete the Ferrata delle Aquile.

It is important to be clear: the Ferrata delle Aquile is intended for experienced hikers and mountaineers. It requires good physical condition, previous experience using via ferrata equipment and, above all, confidence at height. Much of the route crosses highly exposed terrain above the Adige Valley, so it is not suitable for anyone who struggles with vertigo.

From Arco to Cima Paganella

We started from Arco and drove for around one hour to Andalo, a small mountain town just above Lake Molveno. Andalo is one of the main access points to the Paganella ski and outdoor area, which offers a wide range of activities throughout the year—from skiing in winter to hiking, mountain biking and via ferrata during the summer.

At the base of the Andalo–Doss Pelà gondola, there is a large parking area where we left the car and began the ascent towards Cima Paganella.

Reaching the top requires two lifts. The first is the Andalo–Doss Pelà gondola, which climbs around 750 metres in approximately seven minutes. From the upper station, we walked roughly 500 metres to Albi de Mez, where we connected with the Albi de Mez–Cima Paganella chairlift.

This second section takes around four minutes and reaches Cima Paganella at approximately 2,125 metres above sea level.

The lift journey makes the Ferrata delle Aquile remarkably accessible, but it is important to check the current summer timetable before setting out. Opening dates and operating hours vary throughout the season, and the upper lift normally opens slightly later and closes earlier than the first section.

We were very aware of the final lift times, as missing the last chairlift and gondola would mean descending all the way to Andalo on foot, turning a straightforward day trip into a much longer mountain outing.

Following the Eagles’ Path

Once at Cima Paganella, near Rifugio La Roda, we prepared our equipment and followed the Sentiero delle Aquile—the Eagles’ Path—towards the start of the via ferrata. The approach begins almost directly from the upper station and takes approximately 25–45 minutes, although it can take longer if you stop to enjoy the views or follow the more scenic sections of the trail.

From the information board near Canalone Battisti, the route becomes one-way and leads into the Ferrata delle Aquile.

The official route is graded from A to C, while the optional variants reach D–E difficulty. A helmet, harness and certified via ferrata set are essential, and the route should only be followed in one direction—from Canalone Battisti towards the Trono dell’Aquila.

The ferrata begins by descending into Canalone Battisti before traversing horizontally across the eastern face of Paganella. There is little time to settle into the experience: the first sections are already exposed, with narrow ledges, steel cables and small metal brackets providing support for your feet.

After only a few minutes, the route opens onto an impressive panoramic section overlooking the Adige Valley. This is also where you find one of the route’s most recognisable photo points, with the Paganella landscape unfolding behind you.

The route continues through a mixture of exposed traverses, short rocky climbs and steep descents assisted by metal steps and ladders. Along the way, a small cave offers a welcome moment of shade and cooler air—particularly valuable on a hot summer day like the one we had—before the route returns to the open rock face.

03 — Trono dell’Aquila

Across the Eastern Face of Paganella

Further along, we reached the first of two Tibetan bridges. Instead of conventional wooden boards, the bridge uses individual metal footholds, almost shaped like the soles of shoes, suspended above the drop. Similar footholds appear again later along the route.

Between the bridges, there is an optional variant known as the famous Eagle’s Pendulum. Rather than continuing around the rock, you clip into a suspended rope and swing across to the next set of metal holds. Very exciting!

This is one of the most technical and physically demanding options on the route and should only be attempted by people who fully understand the equipment and procedure. The last time I did it, it took me five or six jumps to finally reach the metal holds. The pendulum requires additional equipment and the correct technique, so check the current setup and instructions before attempting it—or complete it with an experienced guide.

After the Eagle’s Pendulum, the route climbs steeply towards another panoramic ledge overlooking the Adige Valley, the Valle dei Laghi and the surrounding mountains. It is a natural place to pause briefly, recover your arms and take in the view.

The final section is one of the most demanding parts of the Ferrata delle Aquile. Near the end, the route divides into two alternatives leading towards the Trono dell’Aquila. The more straightforward option follows the traditional steel cable and metal brackets, while the harder variant climbs the famous exposed spiral ladders, twisting through 360 degrees above the rock face.

I have completed the ferrata twice, and on both occasions I chose the harder variant. The spiral ladders are spectacular, but the exposure is considerable, and the final climb requires confidence, concentration and enough strength left in your arms.

From there, a final rocky section leads to the Trono dell’Aquila—the Eagle’s Throne—which marks the end of the via ferrata. The equipped route took us approximately two hours to complete. Even so, we still had to move quickly afterwards to catch the final lift back down to Andalo.

Mission accomplished.

Where is the Ferrata delle Aquile?

The Ferrata delle Aquile is located on the eastern side of Cima Paganella—also known as Cima Roda—in the Altopiano della Paganella, Trentino.

Andalo is the most convenient base town. From the Paganella ski area, you take the Andalo–Doss Pelà gondola, walk around 500 metres to the next lift, and continue by chairlift to Cima Paganella at approximately 2,125 metres.

From the upper station, near Rifugio La Roda, the Sentiero delle Aquile leads towards Canalone Battisti and the official start of the via ferrata. The approach takes around 45 minutes, depending on your pace and the route variant you follow.

How do I reach the start?

From the upper station, follow the first section of the Sentiero delle Aquile towards Canalone Battisti and the information panel marking the beginning of the via ferrata. The approach normally takes around 20–45 minutes, depending on your pace and the trail variant you choose.

It is also possible to hike up from the valley, but this adds roughly 1,000 metres of elevation gain and turns the outing into a much longer mountain day.

Because lift opening dates, operating hours and real-time availability vary throughout the season, always check the official Paganella lift timetable before setting out. This is especially important when planning your return, as missing the final descent can mean a long walk back to Andalo.

How long and how hard is it?

The equipped section of the Ferrata delle Aquile takes approximately two hours to complete. You should also allow additional time for the approach from Cima Paganella, the return to the upper lift station and any stops along the route. In practice, the complete outing from the top station usually takes around three to four hours.

The standard route is graded from A to C, while the optional variants—including the Eagle’s Pendulum and the harder final section—can reach D–E difficulty. However, the challenge is not only technical. The route is continuously exposed, with narrow ledges, steep traverses and significant drops into the Adige Valley.

For that reason, it is best suited to experienced via ferrata users who are physically fit, confident at height and comfortable moving across exposed mountain terrain. Beginners should only attempt it with an experienced mountain guide.

Official Ferrata delle Aquile route information

Technical route description and difficulty assessment

What kind of rock and terrain is it?

The Ferrata delle Aquile crosses the steep eastern face of Cima Paganella, a limestone mountain rising above the Adige Valley. The terrain is mostly exposed and rocky, with narrow natural ledges, compact sections of limestone and short vertical walls connected by steel cables, metal footholds, ladders and suspended bridges.

Although there are a few brief sections where the route feels more like mountain hiking, most of the ferrata stays close to the rock face and offers very little protection from the exposure. The limestone can provide good natural grip when dry, but the route becomes considerably more difficult and dangerous in rain or after storms.

You should expect a combination of exposed traverses, short climbs, steep descents and artificial footholds rather than one continuous vertical ascent.

What gear do I need?

A complete via ferrata kit is essential: a climbing harness, a certified energy-absorbing lanyard with two carabiners, and a helmet. Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are also highly recommended, while gloves make the steel cables and metal sections much more comfortable to handle.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to climb the Ferrata delle Aquile is on a dry summer day with stable weather and good visibility. July and August normally offer the most reliable access, but they are also the busiest months, so starting early gives you more time on the route and a better chance of avoiding crowds.

Late spring and early autumn can also offer good conditions when the lifts are operating and the rock is completely dry. However, access dates and lift schedules change throughout the season, so always check the current status before setting out.

Avoid the ferrata after rain or whenever thunderstorms are forecast. The limestone becomes much more slippery when wet, and the exposed steel cables make the route particularly dangerous during electrical storms.

Current Paganella weather, lift and ferrata status

Official Paganella summer lift timetable

Is it the same as the Sentiero delle Aquile?

No. They are closely connected, but they are not the same route.

The Sentiero delle Aquile is the scenic mountain trail used to approach the ferrata from Cima Paganella. It can also be followed as a separate hiking route, with easier alternatives such as trail F10, formerly known as 602.

The Ferrata delle Aquile is the equipped, one-way section that begins near Canalone Battisti and finishes at the Trono dell’Aquila. It includes the steel cables, exposed traverses, Tibetan bridges and optional technical variants described in this article.

Many visitors combine the Sentiero delle Aquile and the ferrata into the same mountain day, using the trail for the approach and return.

Official access route via the Sentiero delle Aquile

Official Sentiero and Ferrata delle Aquile map