Via ferrata routes trace mountainsides across the Dolomites — most were built by Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops during WWI, and are now among the most popular ways to climb here.
Melting ice is uncovering First World War explosives
Over summer 2026, Italian Army mountain troops removed and defused more than 250 shells exposed by retreating glaciers at high-altitude sites in northern Italy, left from the same war that built these routes. If you find old metal on a route or trail, don't touch it; note where it is and report it. Source: Gizmodo, citing the Italian Army and ANSA, 27 October 2026.
4 October 2026Large rockfall on the Tofane, near Cortina d'Ampezzo
On the afternoon of 4 October, a large mass of rock broke away from the north face of the Tofana di Dentro, west of Cortina, falling toward the Val Travenanzes. No one was caught in it. Local reports say trail 401 through the valley and the Cengia Paolina area have been closed while rock continues to fall. If you're planning a hike or via ferrata in the Tofane, check current closures with the Cortina tourist office or a local mountain guide before setting out.
Roughly 100 via ferrata routes were built during the First World War to move soldiers, weapons, and supplies along an alpine front line that ran across peaks and ridges at 2,500-3,000 metres.
Watch on YouTube
Video via YouTube — “Inside Italy's World War I Trenches” documentary. The owner only allows it to be played on YouTube, so it opens there.
These routes carry real military history alongside the climbing itself.
Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops each built via ferrata to move men and supplies along the WWI alpine front line.
Via ferrata means “iron path” — fixed cables, ladders, and rungs let hikers use a harness and clips rather than technical rock climbing skills.
Many routes pass directly through preserved WWI trenches, tunnels, and gun emplacements, still visible after a century.
Italy enters WWI against Austria-Hungary, opening a front that runs directly through the Dolomites' highest terrain.
Both armies construct fixed cable routes to move troops and supplies across otherwise impassable rock faces.
The Italian Alpine Club begins restoring old military routes specifically to attract hikers and climbers.
Via ferrata routes are now one of the primary reasons visitors come to the Dolomites, blending sport with preserved history.
A harness, via ferrata lanyard, and helmet are essential — most refugios rent gear if you didn't bring your own.
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