The First World War in the Dolomites
guided historical WWI walks
Learn about the 'White War' with Historian Isabelle Johnson
Some high level areas will fascinate those interested in World War I. Fighting broke out here between Italy and Austria in 1915, as their border ran through the mountains. Committed to the Russian front, Austria abandoned political boundaries and retreated to defendable mountain tops and passes. In snow and freezing temperatures, a tragic and inconclusive conflict ensued, as both sides pushed for high positions in the massifs, ingeniously building fortifications, trenches, look-out posts and miles of tunnels. Much of it is still here.
A bridge on the Austrian Troop Path, Lagazuoi, Passo Falzarego
The Tre Sassi Fort and Museum between Passo Falzarego and Passo Valporola
Such was the proximity of the two sides, hand-to-hand combat was common and troops slept within earshot of the enemy. On one occasion the Italians constructed some 1100 metres of tunnels to explode a mine beneath Austrian positions. The Austrians heard them and retreated in time.
Winter 1916 was bitter and 10,000 men died in avalanches; one alone killing 4000 on the Marmolada. Neither side won and with little recognition of the actual events, the region's destiny was determined far from the battle zone in Paris in 1919.
In a well-preserved WWI Trench at the open air museum, Cinque Torre
The entrance to the Lagazuoi Tunnels, Passo Falzarego
On Via Ferrata della Trincee, the remains of First World War Kitchen, above Arabba
Today there is an open-air WWI museum at Monte Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri. It is a popular location for walkers and several high level routes converge on the area, featuring remnants of the fighting.
For non-walkers, a dramatic cable car takes you to a spectacular 360° panorama at Rifugio Lagazuoi. From the cable car, you will see Lagazuoi's face with its ledges and observation posts, each one an off-shoot from the labyrinth of tunnels that exist in the mountain, which are safe and open for you to explore. A single pass will give you access to the cable car, the chairlift ascent to Cinque Torri just down the road and the nearby indoor museum at the Tre Sassi Fort.
world war I walks with collett's and Historian Isabelle Johnson
Each Wednesday throughout July and August, you can join a fascinating and spectacular war walk with Isabelle Johnson, a local war historian. The walk starts near the Tre Sassi Fort, explores trenches around the foot of Sass de Stria, ventures into the Goiginger War Tunnel before summiting at a point with arguably the best 360° panorama in the area before returning to the fort, where you can tour the museum if you wish.
For our factsheet on First World War Walks - Click here.
The Walk: An approximately 4 -5 hour circular walk involving a sharp ascent of about 200 metres on a narrow panoramic path to some interesting Austrian First World War trenches, fortifications and shelters in a spectacular position. The descent is in the fascinating little known Goiginger tunnel with its artillery positions and look out posts and ends with a ten minute section on a narrow unmarked scree path. The museum will be open on our return.
N.B. The walk involves steep sections both in ascent and descent, partly on loose scree paths in exposed positions. Surefootedness and a head for heights are essential.
Isabelle is an English Historian living in the area. She is not a qualified guide but she does charge for her time & her knowledge. You join her at your own risk.
*To guarantee participation, please pre-book this walk before your holiday. Cost €15 per person. Isabelle is not a guide but she charges for her time and knowledge!
1916 & 2008 Stairs on Ferrata Bepi Zac
1916 & 2008 First World War command post on the Martini Ledge, Lagazuoi
At your own risk
Please note that you join our Organised Itineraries and make use of our ideas & information at your own risk. It is important that you understand that whilst our Organisers have substantial local knowledge and are familiar with the routes which our Organised Walks follow, they are not qualified mountain guides.
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