A hike on the traces of history, between the gorgeous woods and alpine pastures of Folgaria with fantastic panoramic views
Image gallery: Hike to the Dosso delle Somme Fortress and the Coe Pass
Near Serrada, more precisely in the village of Roccolo on the Folgaria Plateau, a little parking space is located. From here the forest path no. 40, called Giro dei Forti, towards the Forte Dosso delle Somme starts, one of the fortresses along our circular walking tour. The path proceeds through the forest, always slightly uphill it leads us along the Valle di Terragnolo valley. After about 45 minutes we reach the remains of the Caserme di Piatastai barracks. Now a series of bends is ahead of us, uphill to the Dosso delle Somme Fortress at 1,670 m asl.
This fortress of the Austro-Hungarian Army once was known as “Werk Serrada”. It was the most important and modernest fortress of the border defence works on the high plateau. From here all the surrounding valleys can be seen clearly, the main reason for the construction of the barracks at this place. We enjoy the beautiful panoramic view. Afterwards we descend across the Cargadore Meadows towards the Passo Coe mountain pass. At the Malga Coe hut our hiking path meets the state road to Francolini.
We have reached the top of the pass now and walk along the road for a few hundred metres to the Osteria Coe tavern which offers hot food. Not far two memorial places can be found: the Malga Zonta which gained notoriety due to the mass murder of partisans and civilians by the fascists at the end of WWII. And the former “Base Tuono”, a NATO missile base (Nike-Hercules) which was in operation at the time of the Cold War. During summer, the adjacent museum can be visited. Nature, the wonderful landscape and the retrospection on important historic facts make this hike unique. For our way back to Roccolo we take the same route.
Author: AT
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- Starting point:
- Folgaria, Roccolo near Serrada
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- Time required:
- 04:50 h
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- Track length:
- 16,7 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.287 m to 1.655 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +484 m | -484 m
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- Signposts:
- Giro dei Forti (40), 136, Passo Coe
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- Destination:
- Passo Coe
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- Resting points:
- Osteria Coe, La Stua
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike to the Dosso delle Somme Fortress and the Coe Pass
If you want to do this hike, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
