Powered by Wikiloc
Overview
Among the most interesting Great War-themed hikes in Trentino, the route to Monte Testo and Rifugio Lancia in Vallarsa, near Rovereto, is particularly relevant. Located in the Pasubio range, one of the most important battlefields on the Italian-Austrian front, this area was the scene of the longest mine war on the entire European front.
Access
- Getting to Rovereto or Schio – Pian delle Fugazze.
- Reach Vanza by following the signs to the Lancia Shelter.
- The road climbs steeply and narrowly through the forest, passing through the village of Giazzera and arriving at Pian Cheserle.
- The road becomes unpaved with boulders and stones, arriving in a few minutes at the “del sassom” parking lot.
Itinerary
- Start from the parking lot with the large stone with the inscription “Welcome to the Puddle Kingdom” at Pian del Cheserle.
- Take the path that starts on the opposite side of the large boulder and start climbing into the forest.
- Reach Malga Zocchi and continue straight ahead to Bocchetta di Foxi.
- Admire the view of Pasubio, Vallarsa and the Little Dolomites of Recoaro Terme.
- Continue to Mt. Testo by following Trail 102 (for experts) or the forest trail.
- Reach the top of Mt. Text, exploring the tunnels and artillery observation posts.
- Continue to Rifugio Lancia via Bocchetta delle Corde.
- Consume packed lunch at the Lancia Shelter.
- Return by following the dirt road that descends in wide switchbacks to the parking lot.
Points of Interest
Malga Zocchi
- Viewpoint along the route.
Foxi’s Mouth
- Wonderful views of Pasubio, Vallarsa and the Little Dolomites of Recoaro Terme.
Mount Text
- Signs for trail 102 (for experts) and forest trail.
- Tunnels and artillery observation posts.
- Historic area of the Mine War.
Lance Shelter
- Built in 1940 by the Society of Tridentine Mountaineers.
- Name dedicated to Vincenzo Lancia, founder of Lancia Automobiles.
- Refreshment point and start of the return route.
History of the Trail
- The Pasubio mountain range was an important battlefield during the Great War.
- The area was the scene of mine warfare, with numerous strategic explosions.
- The tunnels and walkways bear witness to the lives of Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers.
Visit War Museum
- After the excursion, visit to the Italian War History Museum in Rovereto.
- Insight into the Great War through objects, photographs and testimonies of soldiers and civilians.
- The museum’s collections offer a comprehensive view of the history and conflicts of the period.
Useful Information
- Duration: 5 hours (walk with stops)
- Height difference: 400 meters
- Difficulty: Medium (CAI = Hiking). Well-marked trails, but with exposed sections. Appropriate shoes and flashlight needed for tunnels.
- Departure: “del sassom” parking lot in Pian del Cheserle.
For more information and other excursions, visit VISIT ROVERETO and the ITALIAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF WAR.
