recommended route
Cima Cauriol: a symbol of the First World War
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On the way to Cauriol PeakPhoto: A. Campanile, APT Val di Fiemme
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.
Author’s recommendation
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.
Track types
Rest stops
Malga SàdolePiccolo Museo della Guerra alla Baita Monte Cauriol
Rifugio Cauriol
Safety information
THE 10 RULES FOR HIKERS
- Prepare your itinerary beforehand
- Choose an itinerary that suits your physical abilities
- Choose suitable clothes and equipment
- Check the weather forecast
- Hiking by yourself is more risky; if this is the case, take a mobile phone with you
- Leave information about your itinerary and your expected return time
- If you are not sure about your itinerary, contact an Alpine Guide
- Pay attention to signposts and directions that you find along your way
- Do not hesitate in going back if you feel too tired
- In case of emergency call 112
Please note that the practicability of the itineraries in a mountain environment is strictly linked to the contingent conditions and is therefore influenced by natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this page may have changed. Before leaving for a tour, make sure the path you will approach is still accessible by contacting the owner of the mountain hut, the alpine guides or the visitor centres of the nature parks, the info offices of the local tourist board.
Tips and hints
APT Val di Fiemme - Tel. +39 0462 241111 - info@visitfiemme.it - www.visitfiemme.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
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.
Note
Getting there
From Ziano di Fiemme drive to Sadole (Rifugio Cauriol and Malga Sadole). In July and August you have to stop 400 m earlier.Parking
Just before Cauriol hut (July and August 400 metres before).Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Tabacco – Val di Fiemme, Lagorai, Latemar N° 14
Kompass – Val di Fiemme, Catena del Lagorai N° 618
Hiking map available in all Val di Fiemme information offices.
Equipment
Hiking shoes, rain-jacket, hiking poles, water, sun cream
Statistics
- 4 Waypoints
- 4 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Rating
Photos from others