The Louisiana Route on Serra Oseli is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular experiences you can have in the Supramonte of Urzulei, in the heart of eastern Sardinia. This route stretches along the longest ridge on the island, featuring breathtaking views, airy passages, and easy climbing sections, making it a truly unique itinerary. The ridge stands out not only for its length but also for the variety of its sections: it alternates exposed walks, technical slabs, short vertical passages, and equipped abseils that require attention and basic climbing and safety skills.
The itinerary is suitable for experienced hikers and those familiar with exposure and contact with rock, but it does not require expert climbing abilities. The most challenging sections reach at most grade III climbing, making the Louisiana Route accessible to those confident with rock and heights. The sense of verticality is constant along the entire route, and the views over the Supramonte, surrounding valleys, and, in the most exposed sections, the open sea, provide unforgettable scenery.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Louisiana Route is the combination of technical challenge and natural beauty. The sharp and continuous ridge alternates panoramic walking sections with light climbing on compact rock, requiring balance, concentration, and careful route planning. Along the way, there are about eight equipped abseils, allowing hikers to safely navigate the steeper sections. The final abseil is the most significant, offering a sense of accomplishment and a breathtaking view of the entire ridge and surrounding landscape.
The Louisiana Route also highlights the geological and natural uniqueness of Sardinia. The Supramonte’s limestone creates sharp walls and dramatic rock formations that change appearance with the light of day. The typical local vegetation, along with the chance to encounter wildlife such as mouflons and birds of prey, makes the experience even more immersive. Walking along the ridge, you feel a sense of isolation and adventure, as if exploring a world suspended between sky and earth.
Practically speaking, the route takes approximately seven hours to complete, and the itinerary can be adapted based on the group’s skill level and weather conditions. The traditional meeting point is in Baunei, from where the trailhead to Serra Oseli is reached. It is advisable to start with a light backpack for the walking and climbing sections and to carry all necessary technical equipment for safely completing the abseils. Physical and mental preparation is essential, as is careful time management, especially in months with shorter daylight hours.
In conclusion, the Louisiana Route on Serra Oseli offers an unforgettable experience for those who love adventure, climbing, and spectacular landscapes. It is not just a hiking or easy climbing route, but a sensory journey through one of Sardinia’s most captivating environments. Those who take on this ridge return not only with the satisfaction of completing a technical itinerary but also with memories of extraordinary views, sensations of height and verticality, and the lasting impression of an authentic adventure in the heart of the Supramonte.
