Alta Via del Camoscio

The Alta Via del Camoscio, a section of the lesser-travelled Alta Via 3, is a mountain lover's delight tucked away in the eastern Dolomites of northern Italy. Offering a quieter experience than its more famous counterparts, this high-altitude trek covers around 30 kilometres, starting and finishing in the iconic Alpine hub of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Along the way you'll hike through valleys and shimmering alpine lakes, surrounded by peaks such as Punta Nera, Cime del Laudo and La Cesta, which tower above 2,500 metres. Challenging yet rewarding, the medium to high level of difficulty makes it ideal for experienced hikers with an adventurous spirit. Expect steep climbs and descents that will test your stamina... But oh, the rewards: Endless panoramic views, tranquillity and a connection with the beauty of the Dolomites. If you are looking for an escape from the well-known paths of the Dolomites, the Alta Via del Camoscio is for you. This is your ticket to soak up the views and enjoy the tranquillity of a less crowded - but just as breathtaking - route.

Hikers come to the Dolomites for their raw beauty: jagged limestone peaks glowing pink at sunset, alpine meadows stitched with wildflowers, quiet valleys dotted with mountain huts. It’s hard to believe that these serene landscapes once formed one of the most surreal and hostile battlefields of the First World War. Yet between 1915 and 1917, the Dolomites were not just a natural wonder—they were a war zone. When Italy entered the war on the side of the Allies and declared war on Austria-Hungary in May 1915, the front line cut directly through the Alps. The Dolomites became the stage for what was called the “White War”: soldiers fighting on icy ridges, in vertical cliffs, and on glaciers, at altitudes where the weather often proved deadlier than enemy fire.

Above the Falzarego Pass in the Dolomites stands Monte Lagazuoi (2,835 m). Today it's known for its wide views and hiking trails, but during the First World War it was part of a cold and lonely front line. Deep inside the mountain, soldiers from Italy and Austria-Hungary dug a maze of tunnels and fought a battle where the rock itself became an enemy. Today, this area is also crossed by the famous Alta Via 1, making it a highlight for hikers looking to mix history with adventure.