San Cassiano
From Passo Valparola to the Lagació/Lagazuoi peak on the Kaiserjäger trail
The start of the hike is the museum "Forte 3 Sassi". Form here you climb to the ruins to the Austrian positions and battlements, the front line "Vonbank". The trenches of the "Vonbank" position have been restored. Over a winding path you then climb to the summit of Little Lagazuoi. Short after the start, after a few curves, a brief detour to the right leads to the rock caves dug into the foot of Mt. Lagazuoi. Here, the kitchen and the dormitory of the soldiers have been restored and furnished with original objects.
Back on the trail, we continue the climb to the mountain. Wire ropes secure the path and lead to a 15-meter-long suspension bridge of steel cables. The bridge was rebuilt on the same site of the former and today you can see the remains of the original.
After overcoming the suspension bridge over a deep notch, you gothrough a secured trail to the summit area, 2778 m (1h), which was occupied by the Austro-Hungarian troops.
The view from the top is amazing with a unique panorama on the surrounding mountains: From the Odle group to Mt. Pelmo, from Mt. Antelao to the Sella group, with the Piz Boè, from the Tofane group to the Civetta group. It is advisable to descend back to the Falzarego pass traversing the Italian tunnel.
Tip: Gloves, helmet and a head torch are recommended in the mountain tunnels.
Follow the SS244 Val Badia road towards La Villa and continue on road SS37 to San Cassiano.
Getting to the starting point of the tour or point of interest by public transport is easy and convenient.
During the First World War the area Lagazuoi - 5 Torri was the scene of severe fightings between Italian and Austria-Hungarian troops. The sacrifice of the Alpini (Italian Mountain Troopers) and the Kaiserjäger (Austro-Hungarian Alpine Troopers) will forever be a part of history. In their honour the via ferrata at Piccolo Lagazuoi was restored. Hikers can now enjoy a great excursion with an insight into the tragic history of the Lagazuoi area. The trail extends over approximately 3000 metres with a vertical drop of 700 metres, with iron ropes, a hanging bridge, tunnels and trenches. The trail is intended for trained and expert hikers.