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.
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THE 10 RULES FOR HIKERS
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.
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.
Hiking shoes, rain-jacket, hiking poles, water, sun cream