WWI: from S. Giovanni to Cima Rocca
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/Photo: Valentina Bellotti, Garda Trentino -
/ Bivacco ArcioniPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ View from Cima CapiPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ Ruins of barracks dating back to WWIPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
This trail is highly recommended for all history fans: a visit to the system of tunnels in Cima Rocca together with breathtaking views of Lake Garda
The Great War left indelible traces all over Garda Trentino and here they are clearly visible and tangible. In this area you can see the vast forces brought into play by the Austro-Hungarian army in order to protect this crucial border, constructing defences which from our modern perspective are hard to believe were possible
Author’s recommendation
There is a complex and articulated system of tunnels in Cima Rocca. The many branches, closed off to the public for safety reasons are proof of the intentions of the Austro-Hungarian army to further expand the fortifications and unite the lower and upper parts of the tunnel system
Safety information
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Equipment
This trail involves stretches classified EEA which means you must come equipped with via ferrata kit and a torch.
This trail not only requires adequate equipment but also technical know-how and a considerable level of fitness.
You need to be wearing the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you take when you go on a hike?
What you should have in your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do):
- water canteen (1L)
- snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
- First aid kit
- windproof jacket
- fleece
- change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
- make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
- hat
- sun screen
- sunglasses
- gloves
- whistle to attract attention in an emergency
- emergency telephone number: 112
Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.
And finally...
... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.
Tips, hints and links
- An interesting variation on this itinerary leads to Cima Capi, another spectacular viewing point over Lake Garda Important! This alternative route involves a section of via ferrata and requires ferrata kit, helmet and harness. Follow directions from Cima Rocca for Bocca Pasumer (SAT 471), take SAT 405B for a short stretch as far as the via ferrata Fausto Susatti (SAT 405) which follows a trail dating back to the war. All along the ridge there are remains of defence posts, caves and trenches which were the first line of defence on the Austro-Hungarian Front. From Cima Capi you go back the way you came on the last section of SAT 405 until to join up with SAT 460 Mario Foletti which runs along the mountainside of Cima Capi lower down and takes you back to the Bivacco Arcioni shelter. From this point you continue on down back the way you came.
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For more information on routes and hike services: guides, shops and hiking friendly accommodation:
APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
At Biacesa you take the trail SAT 417 which soon turns into a cobbled mule trail running up the mountainside. When you come to the junction, follow directions for SAT 460 leading to the Chapel of San Giovanni which was rebuilt in the 1980s. Nearby you can see the shelter Bivacco Arcioni, called after Lieutenant Francesco Arcioni who died in this area in 1916. From the chapel follow directions for "Gallerie di guerra" or WWI tunnels (SAT 471) to explore the Austro-Hungarian defence posts on Cima Rocca
From here you can go down by the bolted via ferrata (signposted SAT 471A) or else go back to the turn-off at the third tunnel and from there back the way you came. You head back down on trail SAT 417
Public transport
Public transport friendly
You can get to Biacesa by bus on the Riva del Garda - Valle di Ledro line.
For bus times: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
You get to Biacesa from Riva del Garda (9 km) following directions for Valle di Ledro. Biacesa is the first town you come to after you come out of the long tunnel
Parking
Park your car in the town of Biacesa
Author’s map recommendations
- Garda Trentino TREKKING Map - On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole and online
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
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Martin Mandler