One of the cool things about living in Vicenza is the opportunity to hike in epic outdoor locations that are right in our backyard, and today’s post is all about one of them. Here’s a complete guide to the Ponte Avis hiking trail so that you’ll be prepared for your outdoor adventure. It’s an easy trail with a pretty epic suspension bridge that makes for something different to the usual hikes. I’m especially excited to be bringing you this one because it’s been the first one since restrictions eased and I was so happy to be outdoors again. Hopefully, I’ll have even more for you soon!
A Complete Guide To The Ponte Avis Hiking Trail And Suspension Bridge
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Before we start
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FAQ for hiking to Ponte Avis
Where is it located?
Valli del Pasubio, Vicenza. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Ederle.
What skill level is required?
Beginner.
How long does it take?
1-2 hours depending on your pace. It’s about 2.5 miles to the bridge and there are options to go further or branch off to other trails.
What type of trail is it?
It’s a point to point maintained trail.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes – though you might need to carry them across the bridge.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes.
What should you bring with you?
- Good walking shoes (if you are a beginner hiker, I recommend these)
- Water
- Snacks or energy gels (I always take a couple of these when I hike
) - Camera (I used my GoPro on this compact selfie stick and tripod combo)
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Where to park for the Ponte Avis hike
I recommend parking in the free parking lot on the side of the road which I have pointed out on the map above. It has an epic mountain view and is easy to see from the road when you are driving.
If you are visiting in summer or on a Sunday, it’s probably best to go early to make sure you can get a spot.
There are also parking spots on the side street which is also pointed out on the map, but there are only a few parking spaces there.
Free parking lot
View from the edge of the parking lot
How to get to the Ponte Avis hiking trail
There are a couple of options to get to the suspension bridge.
I recommend walking to the Ossario del Pasubio monument from the parking lot. The historic shrine was closed when I went but looks like an interesting spot to visit.
As you are walking towards the Ossario del Pasubio, just before the entrance there is a small trail to the right. I used this which is a short but steep walk up that connects to the Ponte Avis trail.
Another option is from the free parking lot on the map, walk towards the Ossario del Pasubio but follow the road to the right when it forks. This way you won’t walk through the trees and will just follow the road instead.
View of the Ossario del Pasubio (you can see the gate at the bottom of the photo – it was closed the day I went)
The fork in the road – you can walk to the left to go to the Ossario del Passubio then join the Ponte Avis hiking trail by taking a path through the trees, or skip that and follow the road to the right to get to Ponte Avis.
What to expect
The trail itself is very simple and easy to follow, so if you’re a beginner hiker, this is a great option.
It’s uphill, so you might get a leg workout but there’s a lot of room to stop and catch your breath and even a couple of benches along the way.
The whole area is rich in WWI history, so keep an eye out for monuments along the way.
Views of the trail – it’s nice and wide and easy to walk
The Ponte Avis suspension bridge
The steel suspension bridge has incredible views and it just pretty cool to walk across!
It’s about 100 feet high but quite sturdy so even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, you can still have fun here walking across it and checking out the views.
If you’re visiting at a busy time, you might need to wait to allow others to cross the bridge since it’s quite a popular spot.
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What to do after the bridge
After you walk across the bridge, you can walk back across it to return the way you came or continue on to hike further.
If you get to the other side of the bridge and continue on, the trail is rockier and the loose footing can be a little slippery when you return down it.
Even if you go back the way you came, there are other trails off to the side that you could follow if you want to hike in the area a little more.
Basically, it’s a great spot for hiking as much or as little as you want because there’s a lot of flexibility with trail options.
I hope this can help you plan your hike!
This is the trail after you cross the bridge
Other posts you might enjoy
- A Big List Of Things To Do In Vicenza And Surrounding Areas
- A Complete Guide For The Croce Di Lumignano Hike in Vicenza
- A Practical Guide On How To Hike The 52 Tunnels Trail In Italy
- Tramonti Di Sopra Nature Pool – The Off The Beaten Path Swimming Oasis
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I can’t wait to do this hike!! Hopefully with a new furry friend once my husband and I finally choose a dog to adopt!
It’s a really cool one & I think it’d be gorgeous in fall! Good luck finding a pup 😀
Thank you for a descriptive hike break down. Would you say it’s a stroller friendly hike up to the bridge if we follow the road from the parking lot? We have a thule stroller