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  • Current: The Kaiserjäger Path starting at the Valparola pass

The Kaiserjäger Path starting at the Valparola pass

The Kaiserjäger path follows the original Austrian war route, which during the First World War reached the summit of the Piccolo Lagazuoi from the Tre Sassi Fort at the Valparola pass above St. Kassian, sheltered from the sight of the Alpini stationed at the Falzarego pass.

Following a system of ledges, you first reach the famous suspension bridge, which is 10 meters long and 25 meters high, and then a steep and exposed but well-protected ledge.
Then you go across well-preserved emplacements and descend onto the Martini Ledge. Here you can see the big crater of the Austrian mine and the „Anticima“ emplacement with the entrance to the Italian tunnels. 
From here a steep path leads first to the ridge, then to the summit of Piccolo Lagazuoi and finally to the mountain hut Rifugio Lagazuoi.

 

NOTES
Even if there are some exposed sections, this itinerary is also suitable for younger hikers because there are well placed fixed cables for support.

The route can be completed both uphill and downhill, using the cable car,  hiking on the Frontline Trail (path n° 401-402) or along the path that runs through the Anticima-Tunnel on the fore-summit.

If you do not have the necessary technical equipment, you can rent it on-site at the Lagazuoi Infopoint & Rental.
 

  • How to get up on the Kaiserjäger path and down through the Lagazuoi mine tunnel step by step: a VIDEO by 'Neve Italia - Una penna in Valigia'   >>>



HISTORICAL REMARKS ON THE KAISERJÄGER PATH  >>>


This VIDEO with graphic simulation illustrates the Martini ridge, situated halfway up the steep mountain face of the Lagazuoi, occupied by the Alpini in October 1915 to attack the Vonbank emplacement of the Austro-Hungarian defensive line at the Valparola pass: THE MARTINI LEDGE  >>>

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Difficulty
K1/A

Departure point
Valparola pass, parking lot next to the Tre Sassi Fort, road SP24

Arrival point
Valparola pass, parking lot next to the Tre Sassi Fort, road SP24

Total duration
3,25 h

Total difference in altitude
610 m

Vertical drop on the ferrata
280 m

Minimum altitude
2.168 m

Maximum altitude
2.778 m

Access
You can reach the starting point, Valparola Pass, from Cortina d'Ampezzo, Arabba or Badia by car or public means of transport.

Approach
In front of the Tre Sassi Fort follow the path to the right leading upwards. The path reaches the Austro-Hungarian trench, which runs parallel to the Valparola pass road and was built to stop the breakthrough attempts of the Italian army. After the trench, continue to the left on a zigzag path that leads upwards on the slope and over a scree to the suspended bridge and to the access of the equipped path.

Return
You can descend by cable car, on the Frontline Trail (no. 401-402) or along the path through the Anticima-Tunnel on the fore-summit. This path starts besides the top station of the cable car, winds though the Austrian trenches and takes you to the entrance of the Italian tunnel which runs through the fore-summit. You get out of the tunnel next to the Malvezzi emplacement and from here you reach the Falzarego pass on path no. 402. Before the Falzarego pass, take the path on the right that leads to the Vonbank emplacement and from here to the Valparola pass.  

Peak
Piccolo Lagazuoi

Orientation
south west and south