Monte Roen Route

After a hike to the Rifugio Oltradige al Roen, the adventure continues on the Monte Roen via ferrata and the Gamssteig trail

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The Oltradige Hut at an altitude of 1,773 metres, reached via the Mezzavia Hut, is accessible from the Passo Mendola or the Roen car park.
Foto: AP, © Peer
Behind the hut is the start of the Monte Roen Via Ferrata, rated as easy: The east face of the Monte Roen mountain is visible from the hut.
Foto: AP, © Peer
The Oltradige al Roen Mountain Hut also provides a beautiful panoramic view into the valley: In winter, it is a destination for snowshoe hikers.
Foto: AP, © Peer
A complete set of via ferrata equipment, including a helmet, is required for the route: The Oltradige al Roen Hut also hires out equipment on request.
Foto: AP, © Peer
The destination is already in sight from the start: the Roen plateau, the highest mountain on the Mendola Ridge between South Tyrol and Trentino.
Foto: AP, © Peer
The best time for climbing is between April and October, the seasons when apple blossoms and Toerggelen prevail in the Oltradige area.
Foto: AP, © Peer
Please avoid the via ferrata in wet conditions, as the Gamssteig trail and the climbing route become slippery and dangerous, despite the safety cables.
Foto: AP, © Peer
Around 45 minutes are allocated for the via ferrata, with the remaining three and a half hours taken up by the hike there and back.
Foto: AP, © Peer
Some sections ascend the rock face 2,000 metres above the Oltradige area and South Tyrol’s Bassa Atesina region - concentration is required.
Foto: AP, © Peer
The Monte Roen plateau is also frequented by mountain bikers and hikers - sunrise tours are very popular here during the summer months.
Foto: AP, © Peer
Accompanied by our hiking and mountain guide, we reach the end of the via ferrata, where a sense of freedom and openness awaits us.
Foto: AP, © Peer
Now we enjoy the panoramic view from the Monte Roen, which extends from the Bolzano basin and the surrounding peaks towards Trentino.
Foto: AP, © Peer
To the left is the regional capital: Further on, the view extends southwards to Appiano and Caldaro, and on the other side of the valley, to Laives.
Foto: AP © Peer

A simple via ferrata leads up the eastern side of the Monte Roen to the summit ridge and one of the most impressive viewpoints in South Tyrol. The 2,116-metre-high Roen rises above Caldaro and Termeno. The route mainly follows ramps, ledges, and gullies. The crux is a short, steeper section in the middle part. The via ferrata itself is relatively short - however, the hike to its start at the Rifugio Oltradige al Roen (1,773 m a.s.l.), called Überetscher Hütte in German, is longer.

The tour starts either from the Roen car park by the chairlift, as shown on the map, or from the top station of the Mendola Funicular, which departs from Caldaro, allowing you to leave your car in the valley. This article describes the hike from the Passo Mendola to the Oltradige Hut.

Once you reach the Oltradige Hut, the via ferrata begins just behind it. After a short climb, which you should avoid in wet and cold conditions, you are rewarded with a magnificent view over the Oltradige area, Lake Caldaro, and the Bolzano basin, extending far to the south. The mountain on the Mendola Ridge is also a popular destination for sunrise hikes, and its summit plateau is easily accessible by mountain bike. For the descent, follow path no. 500.

A complete set of via ferrata equipment, including a helmet, is essential for this route. The best time to do the tour is during the warmer months from April to October. You should allow a good four hours for the entire circuit.

Author: AP

Experienced: October 2025

Starting point:

Monte Roen parking space
Overall time:

04:15 h
Total route length:

13,7 km
Altitude:

from 1.374 m to 2.116 m
Altitude difference:

+997 m | -997 m
Signposts:

500, via ferrata
Destination:

top of the Monte Roen (2,116 m a.s.l.)
Resting points:

Oltradige Mountain Hut
Recommended time of year:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Download GPX track:

Monte Roen Route
More information:

only via ferrata approx. 45 minutes, whole route approx. 4 hours - the track shown on the map starts at the Monte Roen parking space near the chairlift