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Cascate di Fanes & Ponte Outo

4.8

·1k reviews·, Italy

Spectacular waterfalls and canyons in the Dolomites, featuring an easy via ferrata behind the main cascade.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Amazing colors, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

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Cascate di Fanes & Ponte Outo

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Amazing colors, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Spectacular waterfalls and canyons in the Dolomites, featuring an easy via ferrata behind the main cascade.

4.8

(1k reviews)

"The place behind the waterfall is perfectly safe. I didn’t use it."

TIP

🥾 Easy Hike Option

Follow trail 10 from Parcheggio Sant’Uberto for a scenic 1-hour hike to the falls.

🧗 Via Ferrata Gear

While not essential for the immediate waterfall area, consider via ferrata gear for the full experience.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,400 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

Address

32043 Cortina d'Ampezzo, Province of Belluno, Italy

Website

cascate-di-fanes.de/fanesschlucht

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cascate di Fanes

Main waterfall

Witness a spectacular cascade with a significant drop, offering stunning views and a unique experience behind the water.

Via Ferrata Giovanni Barbara

Behind the main waterfall

An easy via ferrata (A/B) that allows you to walk behind the powerful waterfall, providing an exhilarating perspective.

Rio di Fanes River Scenery

Trail to the falls

Enjoy the beautiful river scenery, canyons, and smaller cascades along the well-maintained trail leading to the main waterfall.

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Planning Your Visit

Via Ferrata or Scenic Hike?

Choose between an easy hike to the base of the falls or a simple via ferrata (A/B difficulty) that goes behind the water. Gear isn't strictly necessary for the waterfall's immediate vicinity, but recommended for the full via ferrata experience.

Parking and Trail Access

Park at Parcheggio Sant’Uberto and follow trail 10. While the hike to the falls is straightforward, a full loop might require the Ferrata Lucio Dalaiti.

Best Times

When

Autumn mornings

Why

Amazing colors, fewer crowds

Crowd

Low

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Less busy than weekends

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Avete mai sentito parlare di questo posto? 😍 📌 Segnatelo per il vostro prossimo weekend 💦 Si chiama Cascata del Gorg d'Abiss e si trova in Valle di Ledro, a 30 minuti dal Lago di Garda. 📍Raggiungerla è davvero semplice: basta passeggiare per 1km attraverso il bosco, lasciando l'auto a Tiarno di Sotto, in Via Všen. 🌲Continuate la giornata in mezzo ai boschi raggiungendo il Sentiero naturalistico de...

@the_globbers

29.1K likes • 337.4K views

🥾 Easy Hike Option

Follow trail 10 from Parcheggio Sant’Uberto for a scenic 1-hour hike to the falls.

🧗 Via Ferrata Gear

While not essential for the immediate waterfall area, consider via ferrata gear for the full experience.

Into the wild 🌲 Immersi nel Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, ci attende un paradiso naturale tra boschi di larici e prati alpini, la nostra passeggiata ci porta fino alle meravigliose Cascate di Saènt 💧 #paradise #waterfall #nationalpark #parconazionaledellostelvio #stelvio #wildexperience #discovery #discover #exploring #adventure #nature #forest #trekking #Hiking #mountain #trentinoaltoadige #beau...

@_vibesland_

13.2K likes • 400.9K views

📍CASCATE DI FANES Cerca de Cortina d’Ampezzo, se encuentra una de las cascadas con mayor caída y belleza de Dolomitas. Ruta fácil, con ferrata sencilla incluida, que si te animas a hacerla podrás adentrarte en el interior y en una de las zonas más altas de esta cascadas. #cascatedifanes #cascatedifanes😘🧚🏽‍♀️💕🦋💋⭐️☀️ #cortinadampezzo #cortinadampezzo❤️ #dolomitilovers #dolomite #dolomite...

joserra_travelmountains

122 likes • 2.3K views

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Pack essentials for your hike, though a kiosk is available at the start.

📸 Capture the Views

The autumn colors and water hues are particularly stunning for photography.

Il sentiero dei canyons e delle cascate di Fanes è un percorso che costeggia il Rio di Fanes ed affascina per la successione di cascate, cateratte e forre che il corso d’acqua ha creato nella confluenza delle valli di Fanes, Travenanzes e Ra Vales. Partenza: Ufficio Informazioni del Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Destinazione dell’escursione: Cascata Sbarco del Rio Fanes 📏 9,65 km ⏱️...

jack_gs87

56 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Easy Hike Option

Follow trail 10 from Parcheggio Sant’Uberto for a scenic 1-hour hike to the falls.

🧗 Via Ferrata Gear

While not essential for the immediate waterfall area, consider via ferrata gear for the full experience.

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Pack essentials for your hike, though a kiosk is available at the start.

📸 Capture the Views

The autumn colors and water hues are particularly stunning for photography.

🔄 Consider a Loop

Explore the Ferrata Lucio Dalaiti for a potential round trip.

What Travellers Say

4.8

(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Cascate di Fanes, particularly the unique experience of walking behind the waterfall via the easy via ferrata. The scenic hike along the Rio di Fanes river is also a major highlight, with many appreciating the less crowded atmosphere compared to other Dolomite attractions. Some found the return hike challenging if a full loop wasn't possible.

"Very nice to see the waterfall, we parket at Parcheggio Sant’Uberto and followed trail 10 to go to the waterfalls… however you cannot make a round trip as the road down next to the waterfall seems to be swollen by the water. Therefore we had to hike all the way back, which was tough but insane views."

Brian S

"Beautiful waterfall. You can go behind it. That’s pretty cool.
- the last approximately 100m to the waterfall is a via ferrata - a easy one A/B, so if you are use to exposed trails, you don’t need the via ferrata equipment. I didn’t use it. The place behind the waterfall is perfectly safe.
I didn’t continue further - the ferrata is longer but still easy. Because of the slippery terrain it’s good to use the ferrata equipment.
The hike to the waterfall is easy up to 1h from the parking place."

Radoslav Golian

"Great view less touristy so come at any time you will enjoy it greatly. We took the easy hike."

larry jeremiah

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall views

Walking behind the falls

Scenic river hike

What People Dislike

Return hike can be tough

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common starting point is Parcheggio Sant’Uberto, near Cortina d’Ampezzo. From there, follow trail 10 towards the waterfalls. Some sources mention the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Information Office as a starting point for longer excursions.

Yes, there is parking available at Parcheggio Sant’Uberto.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is the closest major town, approximately a 15-minute drive away.

Information on direct public transport to the trailhead is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. mentions parking in Tiarno di Sotto for a different waterfall, suggesting car access is common for these natural sites.

While Parcheggio Sant’Uberto is popular, some longer hikes might begin from other points within the Fanes-Sennes-Prags natural park.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to Cascate di Fanes and the surrounding trails is generally free.

As a natural attraction, there are no set opening hours. It's accessible during daylight hours. mentions a kiosk and toilets at the beginning, implying some facilities might have hours.

There is no entrance fee to visit the waterfalls.

No booking is required as it's a natural park and free to access. advises bringing water and food.

As part of a natural park, visitors are expected to respect the environment and stay on marked trails.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike from Parcheggio Sant’Uberto is approximately 1 kilometer (about 1 hour) and is considered easy.

The trail to the base of the waterfall is generally easy. The via ferrata section behind the waterfall is rated A/B, suitable for beginners. +1

Yes, the Via Ferrata Giovanni Barbara allows you to walk behind the main waterfall, offering a unique and immersive experience.

For the easy A/B rated via ferrata behind the waterfall, equipment is not strictly necessary if you are comfortable on exposed trails, but it is recommended for safety, especially on slippery terrain.

The trail follows the Rio di Fanes, which features a succession of smaller cascades and river scenery along the way.

📸 📸 Photography

The area behind the waterfall offers a dramatic perspective. The scenic river trail also provides numerous photo opportunities.

Autumn offers stunning colors, while morning light can be ideal for capturing the mist and water flow.

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the waterfall and canyon. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.

Drone usage in natural parks can be restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying. mentions travel flexibility due to closures, implying a need for awareness.