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Passo Tonale Forte Mero and Forte Zaccarana

Category
Hiking trail
Difficulty
Moderate
Activity time
3:30
Durata in ore
Distance
9.1
Distance in km

A hike of great historical importance to Forte Mero and Forte Zaccarana, former Austro-Hungarian fortifications from the First World War at Passo del Tonale.

This hike starts from the historic Ospizio San Bartolomeo at almost 2,000 meters high. The first fort you encounter is Forte Mero. From here, the road begins to climb, and after 250 meters of elevation gain, you reach Forte Zaccarana. A rarely beautiful viewpoint, from the fort you can admire imposing peaks like Busazza, the majestic scenery of Presanella, the crests of Monticelli, the wide saddle of Tonale, and the upper Val di Sole. The inside of Forte Zaccarana is partially visitable (guided tours only). The walk ends with a very panoramic path, rich in alpine flora.

Route info

Moderate
Distance
9.1 km
Activity time
3:30 h.
Uphill Elevation
250 m
Downhill elevation
250 m
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
2076 m
Lowest point
1839 m
Height difference
237 m

Copyright

APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

Suggestions

Points of interest: Forte Mero, Strino Barracks, Ospizio San Bartolomeo, Forte Zaccarana.

Safety information

Rules for mountain walks:

  • The passability of routes in a mountain environment is closely linked to current conditions and therefore depends on natural phenomena, environmental changes, and weather conditions. For this reason, get good information about the route and its conditions before leaving. You can do this by contacting the nearest Information Office.
  • If you plan to reach an alpine hut or refuge, make sure they are open and, if you intend to stop to eat or sleep, call in advance to book.
  • Leave information about your itinerary and always carry your phone with you.
  • In case of an accident, call 112.
  • Never leave waste at high altitude and, if possible, avoid leaving it at refuges or alpine huts you visit.
  • If you see wild animals along the route, please stay on the trail you are following, do not approach too closely, do not shout, and keep your dog on a leash to avoid chasing or scaring them.

Starting point

Parking at the historic Ospizio San Bartolomeo at Passo del Tonale

Directions

From the starting point, continue east along the dirt road that crosses the panoramic Tonale plateau until you reach Forte Mero. From here, continue towards the Strino barracks where the road begins to climb until reaching Forte Zaccarana (2,096 m). From here, return to the starting point via a comfortable SAT 160 trail, then take up the dirt road again.

Public transportation

You can reach Val di Sole by the TRENTO - MALÉ - MEZZANA train (download departure and return schedules) up to Malé. From Malé, you can reach Tonale by the MALE'-MEZZANA-FUCINE-VERMIGLIO-PASSO DEL TONALE bus line (download departure and return schedules). Then climb from the Valbiolo chairlift parking lot towards Ospizio San Bartolomeo.

How to get there

Follow the SS42 towards Passo del Tonale and then follow the signs to Ospizio San Bartolomeo.

Where to park

Parking at Ospizio San Bartolomeo.

To undertake this walk, we recommend wearing hiking boots and a cap and bringing a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and a water bottle in your backpack.

Don't forget your camera or phone to capture the panoramas and views you like most. If you like, you can share them on social media using #visitvaldisole.