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  2. Bolzano & Surroundings
  3. Cima Cauriol: a symbol of the First World War

Cima Cauriol: a symbol of the First World War

Mountain Hiking
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Duration 3.0 h

Distance 6.2 km

Ascend 830 hm

Descent 20 hm

Max. height 2434 m

Cima Cauriol: a symbol of the First World War - Description

One of the paths that leads to know the remains of the Great War like trenches and barracks. You can also admire the superb panorama of the Fassa Dolomites, the Vanoi Valley and the Cima d’Asta peak.
It was a very harsh winter in 1915, which saw the Italian and Austrian troops confront each other in the conquest of this symbolic peak. The bitter battles ended only in August 1916, leaving on its slopes galleries, wooden barracks, walkways, stone stairs, gunner posts, barbed wire and guard posts. It is on this historical heritage that the excursion along the "Via Austriaca" develops, a stony mule track sometimes ruined by the falling rocks over the years. The itinerary is quite demanding and long, at the beginning on roads that then become steep paths and passages on porphyritic rocks where you have to pay attention. The summit cross rises between the huge boulders and hollows created by the explosion of the bombs.
There is a source where to refuel water, immediately after Pian delle Maddalene, at an altitude of 1800 meters.
For the more experienced we recommend to reache Passo Sadole, follow the signs for the Italian way and, after reaching the top, descend on the Austrian way.

Directions

  • Start

    Cauriol hut (Val di Sadole)

    From Ziano di Fiemme reach Val di Sadole by car. From Rifugio Cauriol take the forest road to Passo Sadole (No. 320) which then becomes a mule path and a track. Before reaching the pass follow markings for “Via Austriaca” until you reach the summit of Monte Cauriol (2.494 m).
    The descent is along the same way, first to Passo Sadole and from there back to Rifugio Cauriol.
     
    The massif is sadly famous for the battles fought between Italian and Austrian forces during World War I (1915-1918). Following heavy shelling, the summit of the mountain was lowered by six metres compared to its pre-war height.

  • end point

    Cauriol hut (Val di Sadole)

required equipment

Hiking shoes, rain-jacket, hiking poles, water, sun cream

Tips for the tour

To fully appreciate the excursion and the historical heritage it preserves, it would be advisable to read up on the war events in this area in advance.

Difficulty

  • Difficulty

    Difficult

  • Fitness

  • Technique

  • Experience

  • Landscape

Recommended season

  • Jan.
  • Feb.
  • Mar.
  • Apr.
  • May
  • Jun.
  • Jul.
  • Aug.
  • Sep.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.

Directions

self-arranged arrival
From Ziano di Fiemme drive to Sadole (Rifugio Cauriol and Malga Sadole). In July and August you have to stop 400 m earlier.
Just before Cauriol hut (July and August 400 metres before).

Interesting things nearby

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