Via Ferratas – on the paths of World War One

The Italian Alpini and the Austrian Kaiserjäger wrote the tragic history of the First World War in the Dolomites. Many of them on the mountain Lagazuoi, which makes it a kind of open air museum for war history. Many wartime positions, tunnels and bridges from the First World War have been restored here - most interesting of the rock tunnel in the mountain. Be sure to bring a flashlight and best gloves!

The path is more suitable for experienced alpinists and leads past very well-preserved Austrian positions. Just before the insured part (A / B) of the crate, you can also go to the caves to see the original kitchen and dormitory of the soldiers of that time. Arrived at the rock it continues to be secured with wire ropes. The long suspension bridge is a real highlight here. Once at the top you can enjoy the magnificent view at 2,800 meters. Down it goes through the mountain tunnel. Very exciting.

This approximately 6-7 hours long via ferrata, the category B / C, leads completely over a supply route, which used the Italians in the First World War. On the way you go over narrow layers of tape, a cool suspension bridge and climbs over beautiful ladders. The climb is very well insured. On the way there are no rest stops, so take enough water and food for 6-8 hours of climbing and walking. If you go to Ospitale, then you should either arrive with 2 cars (and one at the descent at the inn Ospitale parken) or use the good bus connections of SAD and Dolomitibus.

The via ferrata on the Little Lagazuoi is very interesting from the point of view of war history and offers a lot to discover. The most demanding part is climbing through the Cellonstollen (insurance B / C). The trail climbs through the eastern ravine of the mountain to 2778 meters. It is not recommended for children, because there are some uninsured jobs. The old way of war was "rediscovered" by the researcher Walther Schaumann. Around there are also many information boards that tell the story of the Cellon in the position war.

The Alpinisteig is probably one of the most famous and at the same time simplest Dolomites walk, because it is "only" category A. You should not underestimate this transition in the Sexten Dolomites but not. The Alpini, as the Italian mountain troops were called, built the trail and later it was built for us crazy mountain people. You can still find relics from that time, remains of metal, barbed wire and also bunkers that you can go into.

The climb is for the most part a simple hike that leads over an insured rock band, but next to it goes steep and deep, so full concentration. In our case there was still some old snow in the niches. It was icy and dangerous, especially because the steel cable was often under the snow and you could not secure so. A few very "nerve-wracking" meters. Otherwise, the climb is also great for those who are free from giddiness and have a good condition. The most beautiful on the way for me is the "Cross of the Dolomites", the climb once makes a U-hook and when you stand inside and looks outside, you have a nice light-shadow game in front of him. All in all, a beautiful trail, but also requires a little fitness. Absolutely enough water and food to take, because including access and descent is already on the 9 hours on the way.

Super via ferrata well secured, also suitable for beginners.

An easy climb partly insured with ropes.

A wonderfully beautiful via ferrata with an incomparable view to the Marmolada. But he is definitely one of the heavier Dolomites. Very varied it goes from the north to the south side of the rocks and back again. On the way we will go over ridge ridges, suspension bridges and above all through some tunnels from wartime. In this via ferrata the entry wall separates the wheat from the chaff, which is a clear D-spot. The majority of the via ferrata then moves in the C / D area. But as always - if you already have a hard time with the boarding wall, let it stay, because on the way your powers will be less. The trail is mostly very well insured and the rock is grippy but there are occasional unsecured grass strips where slipping is not allowed. On the way you have two options to get out, which is especially advised in case of sudden bad weather.

Towards the end, the trail drags a bit until you reach the Bontadini bivouac. But here you have an awesome view when you come out of the last long and impressive tunnel. After a break at the bivouac, it goes back down the normal route (No. 680). Including the ascent and descent you should expect about 8 hours of walking time, therefore take enough water with you and do not forget the headlamp for the studs.

This via ferrata has in fact no positions of the First World War but positions that were intended for the Second World War. At the summit at 2,450 meters there is a position that has never been used. The D-ferrata was built in 2003 and leads beautifully landscaped with a lot of air to the war tunnel on the exit. Be sure to bring a headlamp with you, then you can climb through the mountain on the "Galleria" secured with iron treads and steel rope. The via ferrata also has an escape route "Via di fuga", which will bring you down safely in case of a fall.

The De Luca-Innerkofler-Steig (Difficulty B) was built in the First World War and leads several hundred meters through the interior of the mountain. Here you definitely need a headlamp, because sometimes the studs are pitch dark. Leave the main tunnel at the fourth rock window and head for the actual via ferrata, which is mostly secured with a steel cable and leads you almost to the summit cross of the Paternkofel. The last meters you go over a boulder field. From the summit you have a perfect view of the famous north walls of the Drei Zinnen. Breathtaking. Because of the Three Peaks, the adjoining Auronzo hut and the ingenious climb itself, this is of course often overrun. Just a madness experience.

A Via Ferrata THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN is something different - although the technical standard is low, the "Adventure Factor" is really high. Do not forget your headlamp!