We will choose a meeting point below the toll booth, if possible (we will agree on details after booking) and then drive together in one car to the Auronzo Hut, where our starting point for the tour is located.

At the parking lot, we will conduct a quick gear check and distribute any rental equipment.

The wide path will take us to the Patern Saddle in about 30 minutes. Here, we will see the peaks in all their glory for the first time, rather than from the somewhat less spectacular south side. There's always time for a few nice photos, and we'll find many great photo opportunities for our albums at home.

We continue along the hiking trail toward the Drei Zinnen Hut and, just before the hut, pass the so-called "Frankfurter Würstl" (Frankfurt sausage) to the tunnel entrance and thus to the start of the via ferrata.

We will put on our climbing harnesses, attach our headlamps to our helmets, and clip the via ferrata set into our harnesses. Those who feel more comfortable will also be secured with the mountain guide's rope.

First, we follow the pitch-black tunnel uphill for 400 meters via steps. Reaching the end of the tunnel, we continue as usual along the outside of the mountain, following the cable safety lines, towards the summit. The key sections await us directly after the Gamsschartl (B/C), before we soon reach the summit on easier terrain.

From the Paternkofel, the view of the surrounding peaks is absolutely breathtaking, yet our gaze repeatedly wanders back to the incredibly steep north faces of the Three Peaks, which stand out even more clearly here.

The descent follows the same ascent route. At the Gamsscharte, we can decide whether we want to extend the tour to a beautiful circular route by taking the Ferrata Sentiero delle Forcelle (A/B). This takes about two hours longer than the direct descent and return to the Auronzo Hut.