THE GREAT WAR IN THE DOLOMITES
The Three Peaks of Lavaredo, with their northern walls, are among the most famous peaks in the Alps. During the years, mountaineers have traced dozens of high difficulty routes on the walls of Cima Grande, Cima Piccola and Cima Ovest. Those who prefer to walk have various paths and the classic “Via Ferrata” that climbs to Paterno.
Here is the video of the climb of a difficult route:
HISTORY AND BATTLES
During the Great War, Italian troops ascending from Auronzo clashed with the Standschützen of the Val Pusteria, perched around the Toblín Tower and the Dreizinnen Hütte, today's Locatelli-Innerkofler Refuge, destroyed by Italian artillery on May 24, 1915 .
Sesto and Misurina were also bombarded.
The summit of the Cima Grande, Italian caposaldo, was lowered by two meters (from 3001 to 2999) to place a reflector. At 2850 meters there was a mountain cannon.
The most controversial summit was instead the Paterno, 2744 meters, a strict mountain which is located south-east of the Three Peaks.
In the following months, in order to approach the enemy, the Italians approached silently, by digging a tunnel, from Forcella Lavaredo to the base of the northern slope of Paterno.
Today, the tunnel, restored and in good condition, is traversed with the help of a front stack before facing the Via Ferrata to the summit.
THE EXCURSION
Locatelli-Innerkofler Hutte (Dreizinnen Hütte, 2405 meters) is the best known belvedere on the northern slope of the Three Peaks.
You start on the path that rises towards the Paterno, walking around the "Frankfurter Würst Monolith" (the translation would be frankfurter sausage!) and you finally reach the tunnel.
From a concrete entrance you can walk through the tunnel (2480 meters, 0.15 hours) and reappear in the middle of the Three Peaks. To the left there is a beautiful view of the lakes.
Until that point there is no difficulty and there is no need for "ferrata" equipment or front stack. Beyond it starts the steep and dark gallery of Paterno, beyond which the "Via Ferrata" starts.
Below you will find a map with the itinerary:
Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for reading,
fmd