Tonale Pass and Fort Mero

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Tonale Pass and Fort Mero

Category

Difficulty

Moderate

Activity time

2:30

Durata in ore

Distance

3.7

Distance in km

Download GPX

Easy hike on a dirt road to Fort Mero, a former Austro-Hungarian fortification from the First World War at Passo del Tonale.

Fort Mero is an Austrian fort built to defend the borders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The fort was constructed between 1911 and 1913 and served as the connecting structure between Fort Zaccarana and Fort Presanella.

It was a medium-sized fortification made of compressed concrete and iron beams.

This hike, suitable for everyone, follows the same path for both the outward and return journeys, starting from the historic San Bartolomeo Hospice, almost 2000 meters high. The elevation gain is about 150 meters, and the outward path is a gentle descent. Once at the fort, the trail continues for a few more minutes until reaching a former military village known as the Strino barracks.

Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

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Route info

Moderate

Distance

3.7 km

Activity time

2:30 h.

Uphill Elevation

31 m

Downhill elevation

148 m

Physical effort

Scenary

Highest point

1984 m

Lowest point

1836 m

Height difference

148 m

Copyright

APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

Suggestions

Points of interest: Fort Mero, Strino Barracks, San Bartolomeo Hospice.

Safety information

Rules for mountain hikes:

The accessibility of mountain trails is closely tied to current conditions and therefore depends on natural phenomena, environmental changes, and weather conditions. For this reason, make sure to thoroughly research the trail and its conditions before setting off. You can do this by contacting the nearest Information Office.
If you plan to reach an alpine dairy farm, or a mountain hut, ensure they are open, and if you intend to stop for food or accommodation, call in advance to make a reservation.
Tell someone about your trip and always carry your mobile phone with you.
In case of an accident, call 112.
Never leave litter at high altitudes, and if possible, avoid leaving it at the mountain huts or at the alpine dairy farms.
If you spot wildlife along the way, we urge you to stay on the trail, avoid getting too close, don't shout, and keep your dog on a leash to prevent it from instinctively chasing and frightening the animals.

Starting point

Parking lot at the historic San Bartolomeo Hospice at Passo del Tonale

Directions

From the starting point, continue east along the dirt road that runs across the scenic Tonale plateau until reaching Fort Mero (1,840 m), a former Austro-Hungarian fortification built between 1911 and 1913. Here, there is a picnic area. From this point, the hike continues towards the Strino barracks, an Austro-Hungarian military village.

Public transportation

You can reach Val di Sole with the TRENTO - MALÈ - MEZZANA train (download the outbound and return schedules) up to Malè. From Malè, you can reach Tonale by bus (download the outbound and return schedules). Then, from the Valbiolo chairlift parking lot, you can hike up towards the San Bartolomeo Hospice.

How to get there

Follow the SS43 to Mostizzolo. Take the SS42 towards Passo del Tonale.

Where to park

San Bartolomeo Hospice Parking lot

To tackle this hike, we recommend wearing hiking boots and a hat, and bringing a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and a water bottle in your backpack.

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