The via ferrata Oskar Schuster (aka Oskar Schuster Klettersteig) leads to the 2958-meter summit of Sasso Piatto (Plattkofel in German, Sasplat in Ladin) in the Dolomites.
This spellbinding route in the heart of the Sassolungo mountains involves secured climbing as well as a great deal of free scrambling (unprotected grade-1 sections). It’s classified as B/C difficulty (intermediate), and requires a full via ferrata kit.
My guide describes the full Sasso Piatto via ferrata-hiking tour starting and ending at Passo Sella. To get to the Oskar Schuster staring point, hikers must first ride the two-person Forcella Sassolungo gondola up to saddle-striding Rifugio Toni Demetz Hütte, hike down to Rifugio Vicenza/Langkofelhütte ,and then ascend the Sasso Piatto/Plattkofel cirque.
Note: There is also a normal hiking trail which leads from Rifugio Sasso Piatto/Plattkofelhütte to the summit of Sasso Piatto/Plattkofel. This is the south-west approach, and the route you’ll descend after completing the via ferrata ascent. From Rifugio Sasso Piatto, return to Passo Sella along the scenic Friedrich August Weg.
This is a spectacular full-day, heart-pumping adventure perfect for strong, surefooted hikers who have zero fear of heights.
- Starting Point: Parking Passo Sella | Google Maps
- Trailhead: Forcella Sassolungo / Rifugio Toni Demetz
- Distance: 11.9 km point-to-point (circuit with cableway)
- Total Time Needed: 6:10 hours
- Approach: 1:30 hours
- Via Ferrata: 2 hours
- Descent: 2:40 hours
- Elevation Gain: 868 meters
- Elevation Loss: 1346 meters
- Via Ferrata Difficulty: B/C
- Minimum Elevation: 2176 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2958 meters
- When to Hike: Late June – Late September
- Where to Stay at Passo Sella: Hotel Passo Sella Dolomiti Mountain Resort
- Where to Stay in Selva: Garni Sunela B&B (budget), Hotel Garni Morene (budget), Hotel Freina (midrange), or Linder Cycling Hotel (luxury)
Sasso Piatto Via Ferrata Route Map
How to Get to Passo Sella
The Oskar Shuster Via Ferrata Tour starts at Passo Sella, the mountain pass linking Val Gardena in South Tyrol with Val di Fassa in Trentino. It lies between the Sassolungo/Langkofel massif and the Sella massif.
Bus | If you’re based in Val Gardena, use the südtirolmobil journey planner to find the best bus connections to Passo Sella. If you’re based in Val di Fassa, you can take the summer bus 471 from Canazei to Passo Sella.
Car | It’s a 15-minute drive from Selva, Val Gardena, to Sella Pass along the SS242 road. And, it’s a 20-minute drive from Canazei, Val di Fassa, to Sella Pass along the SS48 and SS242 roads
Parking | The pay-on-exit Parking Passo Sella (see Google Maps) is located directly on the main road across from Hotel Passo Sella Dolomiti Mountain Resort. During our last visit, it was 2.50 EUR/hour for the first 3 hours and then 1.50 EUR/hour for the next 3 hours. Pay for your ticket at the “Cassa” adjacent to Passo Sella Dolomiti Mountain Lodge. The parking machine accepts card and cash payments (5 EUR, 10 EUR, 20 EUR, EUR coins)
When to Climb the Via Ferrata Oskar Schuster
The best time to climb the Oskar Schuster Klettersteig is when the route is mostly snow-free. Typically, that’s between late June and late September.
October is also promising, but there’s more likelihood of snow sticking later in the season, because the via ferrata is exposed to minimal sunlight in Autumn.
We completed the Oskar Schuster via ferrata in early October in very snowy/icy conditions. Even with microspikes, it was difficult.
Via Ferrata Oskar Schuster Complete Route
Forcella Sassolungo Gondola
From Passo Sella, take the Forcella Sassolungo gondola (Telecabina Sassolungo) to Forcella Sassolungo/Langkofelscharte.
This antique-looking gondola is also nicknamed the “coffin lift,” because of its shape and size.
Getting on and off this gondola is part of the adventure. With the help of attendants, you have to jump into the moving gondola and then stand for the duration of the ride. When you approach the mountain station, prepare to jump off as well.
Opening Times | Mid-June – Early October: 8:15 am – 5 pm
Gondola Pricing | Purchase a one-way ticket only (“Andata / Berg-Fahrt”). During our last visit, a one-way ticket was 20 EUR.
Other Considerations | Wear your backpack before entering the gondola.
Approach | Forcella Sassolungo – Rifugio Vicenza – Oskar Schuster Via Ferrata Starting Point (1:30 hours)
The gondola mountain station is located directly on the Sassolungo saddle, next to Rifugio Demetz. There’s a restroom inside the mountain hut should you need one (1 EUR).
From the saddle, trail 525 steeply descends the scree and gravel and scree-filled Sassolungo/Langkofel Kar (deep sloping cirque) to Rifugio Vicenza/Langkofelhütte.
Early and late in the season, snow and ice may linger here. We wore microspikes and used trekking poles for most of the descent.
- Recommended Microspikes: CAMP Snowline Chainsen Lightweight Microspikes
- Recommended Hiking Poles: Unisex Black Diamond Hiking Poles
The path twists down the steep sloping cirque, which looks more like a valley than a basin. The gradient eases as you approach Rifugio Vicenza.
Rifugio Vicenza (2256 m) is usually open from mid/late June until late September.
Follow the trail leading behind the hut up the Sasso Piatto/Plattkofel Kar, another gravel-filled cirque.
This path steadily ascends the east side (left side) of the cirque and then eventually crosses over to the west side (right side).
When you reach the rock wall, follow the waymarks along the wall to the right. The waymarks are red painted dots.
Soon, you’ll make a sharp left and follow red-painted arrows to the base of the via ferrata.
Via Ferrata | Oskar Schuster to Sasso Piatto (2 hours)
The via ferrata alternates between fixed cable passages and free scrambling.
The route is named after German climber and physician Oskar Schuster (1873 – 1917), who was one of the climbing pioneers in the Dolomites in the late 19th century.
After an hour of following intermittent cable lines, you’ll walk across a slender saddle to the base of a vertical secured section.
Rungs/stemples guide you to a short metal ladder and a series of cables.
A scrambling section steers you up a chimney to the crest of Sasso Piatto and the exit of the via ferrata.
It’s a quick ascent to the panoramic summit of Sasso Piatto, crowned with a giant cross.
For a technical explanation of the route, translate the bergsteigen tour description using Google Chrome, or purchase the Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites: Vol 1: 75 routes-North, Central and East Ranges.
Descent | Sasso Piatto – Rifugio Sasso Piatto – Passo Sella (2:40 hours)
Retrace your steps back to where you exited the via ferrata and then continue on trail 527 across the the south-west flank of Sasso Piatto.
It’s typical karst terrain with lots of scree and rock steps. This descent is quite monotonous.
Rifugio Sasso Piatto/Plattkofelhütte is a modern refuge which sits on the junction of many popular hiking trails, including the Sassolungo Circuit Trail. This hut is usually open from late May until mid-October.
From Rifugio Sasso Piatto, locate trail 557, the Friedrich August Weg, in the direction of Passo Sella.
This undulating path wraps around the south side of the Sassolungo Group, heading east almost the whole way. In the late afternoon/early evening, the views of the Marmolada Group and Val di Fassa are especially captivating.
Along the way, you’ll pass Rifugio Sandro Pertini (2300 m) and Rifugio Friedrich August (2293 m).
Hike up to the windy Forcella Rodella saddle and descend the wide track to Baita Miara and the upscale Rifugio Salei (2222 m).
Return to the car park, or bus stop at Passo Sella.
Essential Gear for Oskar Schuster Klettersteig
You need a full via ferrata kit for this protected climbing route: climbing helmet, climbing harness, and via ferrata lanyard with carabiners. Climbing gloves like Black Diamond half finger gloves are also very useful.
Climbing Helmet
- Women’s Climbing Helmet: Black Diamond women’s climbing helmet
- Men’s Climbing Helmet: Black Diamond men’s climbing helmet
Climbing Harness
- Women’s Climbing Harness: Petzl CORAX LT Women’s Harness
- Women’s Climbing Harness: Black Diamond Women’s Momentum Harness
- Men’s Climbing Harness: PETZL Corax Climbing Harness
- Men’s Climbing Harness: Black Diamond Men’s Momentum Rock Climbing Harness
Lanyard
- Unisex Lanyard with Carabiners: PETZL Scorpio Vertigo via ferrata Lanyard
- Unisex Lanyard with Carabiners: Salewa Ergo Core, Unisex Adult
- What we use and love: CAMP Kinetic Gyro Rewind Pro Blau
Where to Stay near Passo Sella
Selva di Gardena
Budget | Hotel Garni Morene is a clean and comfortable family-run guesthouse, set in an idyllic location outside the town center of Selva. Stay here for the unbeatable price, mountain views, and hospitality. Breakfast included.
Budget | Garni Sunela B&B is an immaculate bed and breakfast with spacious rooms, a spa, bar, parking garage, and a phenomenal breakfast, including fresh eggs from the resident chickens. Check-in is only until 7 pm.
Midrange | Garni Hotel Bel Vert is a B&B in Selva, located on the Biancavieve Slope, outside the town center. Rooms are beautiful and spacious. There’s even a small spa. 3 nights minimum stay.
Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Freina is a welcoming family-run hotel in Selva with an excellent on-site restaurant (serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options), wonderful spa, and free garage parking.
Luxury | Hotel Rodella stands on a hill between Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena, walking distance to the Col Raiser gondola. Commanding the most epic views of the Sella Group and Sassolungo, staying here is absolute bliss, especially at sunset. You can book breakfast-only or half board. Stay here for the views, newly renovated wellness area, and cozy atmosphere. 3 night minimum stay.
Luxury | Hotel Tyrol is a traditional alpine hotel centrally located in Selva. The hotel’s restaurant offers creative interpretations of Ladin tradition with a Tuscan twist. Stay here for the cozy ambience, the wellness area (saunas, indoor and outdoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, salt cave with chromotherapy), and comfortable rooms. Outdoor parking is free and garage parking is an extra charge.
Luxury | Hotel Sun Valley is a 4-star hotel with a feel-good atmosphere, nice rooms, friendly management and staff, and a great restaurant (half board available). The spa comprises an indoor pool, whirlpool, Tyrolean parlor sauna, Brechel bath with fresh pine branches, and a steam bath, and relaxation areas.
Luxury | Linder Cycling Hotel stands out with its bold architecture, stylish urban accents, and laid-back atmosphere. Beyond the captivating design, Linder Cycling Hotel boasts excellent facilities, including a rooftop terrace, indoor pool, bar, and the à la carte Luis Eatery restaurant
Santa Cristina
Budget | Hotel Garni Ruscel is a great-value bed and breakfast in Santa Cristina. 4 nights minimum stay in high season.
Budget | Bed & Breakfast Kaserer is a charming B&B with clean, traditional rooms and excellent hospitality. 3 nights minimum stay.
Budget | Smart Hotel Saslong is a no-frills hotel in Santa Cristina featuring modern, minimalist interiors decorated in local wood. Guests have access to a self-service bar, free parking (indoor and outdoor), and on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. This is a perfect place to stay if you’re traveling with friends. Book breakfast!
Midrange | Charme Hotel Uridl is a family-run hotel set in a mountain chalet dating back to the 17th century. Stay here for the cozy and quaint atmosphere and delicious breakfast buffets and dinners.
Top Choice – Boutique Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is a 4-star-superior boutique hotel set in a quiet location above the village church. Stay here for the innovative cuisine (half board only), Ladin hospitality, and spacious suites. Complimentary Perks: garage parking, winter shuttle to ski slopes, guided hiking tours, and afternoon snack. Read our Dorfhotel Beludei Hotel Review.
Luxury | Hotel Touring Dolomites is an excellent, family-run hotel with a new spa, rooftop pool, modern rooms, and a fine dining restaurant (half board available). 3-5 nights minimum stay.
Val Gardena Hiking Guides
Via Ferrata:
Travel Guides:
Hiking Trails:
- Best Hikes in Val Gardena
- Resciesa to Seceda
- Seceda Ridgeline Hike
- Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike
- Monte Pic
- Lake Pisciadù Hike
- Piz Duleda
- Vallunga Valley and Val de Chedul
- Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail
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