Trek to Sasso di Stria mountain with a taste of history

Trip to Mount Sasso di Stria in the Dolomites

Starting point

The road from Passo di Falzarego. We parked along the road directly below Sas di Stria mountain. There are a large number of cars in the area and it is quite difficult to find a parking space.
 

Description of the hike

I already knew Mount Sasso di Stria from previous visits to the Dolomites, but I didn't want to miss it this time either. The views from it are simply perfect, and even the climb itself is an extraordinary experience.

Upon arriving at the mountain, we left the car in a small parking area right by the road. There was almost nowhere else to park in the vicinity, as there are really a lot of tourists at the Passo di Falzarego pass. We walked from the car to the start of the climb up the mountain. At the beginning of the climb, you follow a classic mountain trail that gains altitude relatively quickly. The terrain is rocky. We soon came across the first trenches from World War I. They accompanied us all the way to the top of the mountain. There is literally a maze of these trenches here.

Another interesting feature are the tunnels dug into the rock. Wooden ladders are installed in them, which you climb up through narrow corridors. However, some tunnels are dead ends and only lead to the soldiers' firing positions. This meant we had to turn back several times. At the same time, we turned into the wrong trench several times and had to turn back after a few dozen meters. The end of the ascent is marked on maps as a grade A via ferrata, but it is only two ladders in the trenches that took us to the top of the mountain. No safety equipment is necessary, as the ladders are very short. The view from the summit is fantastic. You can see the mountains Tofana di Rozes, Monte Cristalo, Antaleo, Civetta, Marmolada, Piz Boe, and others. After resting at the summit, we set off back along almost the same route. Again, we got lost several times and had to return to the path. Finally, we descended back to the car and had a light lunch at the Al Sasso di Stria hut below the Passo di Falzarego pass.
 

Difficulty

A relatively entertaining climb to a scenic mountain. Although it is necessary to overcome some altitude meters, the climb is made more interesting by trenches and tunnels from World War I. The route is mostly rocky terrain, and at the end, you climb to the top using two ladders.
 

Water availability

There are no springs along the route, so you must bring your own water supplies.
 

Sleeping options

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Dolomites – hotels, apartments, and campsites. We stayed in the town of Arabba.
 

Mountain peaks

The Sas de Stria mountain, at 2,477 meters above sea level, is a great spot for views. You can see all the main peaks of the Dolomites from here—Marmolada, Piz Boe, Monte Pelmo, Antaleo, Civetta, and more.
 

Danger

The trail leads through rocky terrain. A large part of it follows trenches from World War I. We got lost a few times and had to turn back. Dangerous spots are secured with railings or steel cables. Even so, it is necessary to be extra careful, especially with children, so that they don't fall in somewhere.
 

Food

The route is short, so just bring a snack. There are chalets with restaurants in the vicinity of the Passo di Falzarego pass.