5 Torri hike with WWI stop

Historical and Nature Trekking at the 5 Torri (FIVE TOWERS UNESCO) – Open-Air Museum of the Great War WORLD I.

An unforgettable hike that combines the stunning natural beauty of the Dolomites with the moving history of World War I. The trek begins at Rifugio Scoiattoli, which can be reached either on foot or by chairlift . Here, a breathtaking view opens up: the iconic 5 Torri rise majestically, framed by the surrounding peaks of Tofana di Rozes, Lagazuoi, and Nuvolau. The route leads into the Open-Air Museum of the Great War, a unique trail among restored trenches, military outposts, and tunnels carved into the rock – silent witnesses to the harsh conditions endured by Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers during the high-altitude battles of the First World War in 1915-1918.

Alongside its historical value, the trail also tells the fascinating geological story of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the towers of dolomite rock we admire today are the ancient remains of coral reefs formed over 230 million years ago, shaped over time by wind, water, and ice.

The circular path around the 5 Torri is suitable for families as well, and during the summer season, it offers a wonderful display of endemic alpine flowers such as hairy rhododendrons, edelweiss, and Dolomite yarrow – delicate bursts of colours scattered across the high-mountain meadows.

The hike ends with a gentle descent through the conifer forests of the Ampezzo basin, a peaceful, fragrant setting that guides you back toward the valley.

This natural amphitheater will be one of the iconic locations of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where tradition, sport, and nature will come together on the world stage. A hiking experience full of emotion, beauty, and meaning – perfect for those seeking culture, history, and scenery in one of the most captivating corners of the Dolomites.

5 Torri hike with WWI stop

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