Via ferrata Sottotenente Fusetti

Description

The Via Ferrata del Sottotenente Fusetti is an absolute must for enthusiasts as it allows you to experience first-hand the impact that the First World War had on the Dolomite mountains. The route is simple and evocative and winds through the trenches of Sass di Stria. It is suitable for everyone, including beginners and families.

From Cortina go to Passo Falzarego and from there, turn right to Passo Valparola. Leave your car at the Museo Forte Tre Sassi. Take path 18 alongside the Sass de Stria on the side that faces Lagazuoi. Don’t take the first two entrances on the right – take the third one to the entrance of the Galleria Goiginger, a mostly flat tunnel used by the Austro-Hungarian troops to respond to Italian fire coming from the Cengia Martini. Once you exit the tunnel, continue along the downhill path alongside the Sass di Stria until you reach the start of the via ferrata. The via ferrata begins with a diagonal crossing and continues uphill, with vertical sections, for about forty minutes. You’ll then find a ledge to cross to the right and then take a second climb that will take you to the last wall before the end of the via ferrata.

The last section features the most vertical and technical points of the via ferrata which, once overcome, will take you to the end. From here you can admire a large pass almost completely crossed by trenches from the First World War and several wooden crosses. For the more experienced hikers, we also recommend reaching the top of Sass di Stria. In fact the via ferrata ends about forty minutes below the summit. Continue right towards the trenches, passing some metal stairs and then some wooden stairs.

The arrival at the summit cross at 2,477 m offers an incredible view of the surrounding peaks and the sites of the Great War that took place in the Dolomites.

To come back, retrace the outward journey until the arrival of the via ferrata and from there follow the path along the trenches to the Forte tra i Sassi.