When we started planning our Alta Via 1 hike in the Dolomites, one of the places we were most curious to explore was Galleria Lagazuoi, a tunnel network carved into the rock by Italian soldiers during World War I, as they fought to hold their ground against the Austro-Hungarian army. Back then, survival in the high mountains was brutal. Soldiers faced freezing temperatures, avalanches, and constant danger, not just from enemy fire, but from the environment itself.
Today, these traces are still visible, carved into the landscape like quiet reminders of what happened here. This mountain, once the setting for fierce combat under extreme alpine conditions, is now part of an open-air museum. It’s also a popular spot for via ferrata routes and panoramic hikes, blending unforgettable views with a powerful connection to the past.
How to visit Galleria Lagazuoi
To visit Galleria Lagazuoi, head to Passo Falzarego, which has a parking area, cafés, souvenir shops, and a cable car station. Most people take the cable car up and hike down through the tunnels, which is the easier option.
Since we were hiking the Alta Via 1 from south to north, we did the opposite, we hiked up the tunnels. We were a bit worried if our backpacks would be too bulky for the narrow path, but it was totally doable. Just make sure to:
- Bring a headlamp or strong flashlight - the tunnels are very dark.
- Wear gloves - you’ll hold onto metal cables along the way, and they get cold and damp.
- Consider a helmet for safety
The Frontline Trail
To reach the tunnel entrance, you follow the Frontline Trail, a well-marked path that leads along former military routes. After a short hike, you’ll reach a fork in the trail, then take the left turn to enter the tunnels. The first part includes some slightly exposed sections, but there are cables, handrails, and small wooden bridges that make it safe and manageable for most hikers.
Once you step into the mountain, you begin gaining elevation quickly. But the journey is so unique and immersive that you almost forget you're climbing. The tunnel winds through the rock, and along the way you pass by small caves and chambers that once served as lookout points, storage rooms, or makeshift barracks. Some of them still hold traces of wartime life: beds, stoves, old tools, and even rusted weapons.
From time to time, the path opens up to narrow openings in the rock, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. We couldn’t help but wonder if the soldiers ever stopped, even for a moment, to enjoy the view, with so much hardship around them.
When you exit the tunnel, you arrive at Rifugio Lagazuoi, perched at 2,752 meters. It’s the perfect spot to rest, grab a warm meal or a drink, and soak in one of the best panoramic views in the Dolomites. The rifugio also features a small display of wartime artifacts and information panels that help bring the history of the place to life.
From there, if you’re continuing on the Alta Via 1, the trail leads you past more remnants of the war—this time from the Austro-Hungarian side. You’ll pass trenches, artillery positions, and crumbling stone shelters. One highlight is Forcella Lagazuoi, a dramatic mountain pass that you reach by climbing old stone stairways built by soldiers over a century ago.
Not even the high mountains were spared from the brutality of World War I. We couldn’t help but wonder if the soldiers ever stopped, even for a moment, to enjoy the view, with so much hardship around them.
Hiking in the Dolomites is already an amazing experience, but learning about the war history makes it even more special. Galleria Lagazuoi is not just a beautiful place, it’s also a place to remember what people went through in the past. Whether you love history or just enjoy the mountains, this hike is a powerful and unforgettable part of the Alta Via 1.
