The path of flowers: the via ferrata at 3000 meters where the Alpini challenged the Austro-Hungarian Empire

The path of the flowers crosses the crest between Castellaccio and Pisgana in the Adamello massif, following the old trenches and walkways used by the Alpine troops during the First World War. The itinerary develops around 3000 meters above sea level along the ancient border line with the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The testimonies of the Great War

The path faithfully retraces the first Italian line of the conflict, where the soldiers fought for almost four years in extreme environmental conditions. Galleries, throne and military stations are still clearly visible throughout the itinerary, offering direct documentation of how the high mountain war was held.

The Alpine troops were forced to live and combat these odds even during the Alpine winters, facing difficulties that go beyond purely military ones. The structures still present show the ingenuity necessary to survive in such a hostile environment.

Technical characteristics of the route

The path is almost entirely equipped with steel cables, but still requires adequate mountaineering equipment. The Alpine Guide Gianni Trepin, responsible for maintenance, specifies that the ice ax and crampons are indispensable:

“We are above three thousand meters and in addition to a good physical condition, you have to have the ice ax for the snowy sections and the crampons in the backpack”.

The uphill difference in height is 450 meters for a travel time of about 4 hours, but the presence of snow or ice can significantly increase these times. The recommended period runs from July to September, even if in a season with abundant rainfall like this, some sections can remain snow -covered for longer.

The itinerary from the Tonale Pass

The route begins with the paletabine from the Tonale Pass to Passo Paradiso (2585 meters). From here we proceed through blackberries and rocks up to the Castellaccio Pass (2963 meters), where many testimonies of the First World War are concentrated.

The central part of the itinerary leads to the top of the horn of Lagoscuro (3166 meters) through an air crossing that has exposed sections. After reaching the summit and small bivouac, you go down to the lagoon passage and then go back to the top payer (3056 meters).

The route ends at the Città di Trento refuge (2449 meters) in the mandrone basin, where it is frequent to spot chamois and ibexes.

Maintenance and accessibility

The path was reopened on August 1, 2024 after maintenance interventions that affected the damaged sections by landslides. About ten nails have been replaced and all cables to ensure the safety of the route.

Despite the restoration works, strokes remain with the presence of snow that require particular attention. It is advisable to travel the path clockwise, from the Presena to Castellaccio, to better use the hours of sunshine and return to time for the cable car.

The flower path is part of a wider network of historical routes in the area. The Alpine path has also been restored, while interventions on the Austrian path to improve their safety are planned.

For those looking for less demanding alternatives, from the area it is possible to access the Moroccar Pass following the crest, and then go down to the Passo di Lago Scuro and the hut Lagoscuro. All these paths offer views of the Adamello massif and the Ortles-Cevedale glaciers, maintaining the historical value linked to the first world conflict.

Don’t you want to lose our news?