Hauptmann-Bilgeri-Steig

On the "Blood Mountain" above the Hö hlenstein ValleyThe strikingly flattened Monte Piana is not necessarily one of the most outstanding alpine destinations in the Dolomites, but it is one of the silent witnesses to an unfortunate period in history. Its strategically important position above the Höhlenstein Valley made it a "blood mountain" of the First World War. While the Austrian troops entrenched themselves on the northern summit (Monte Piano), the Italians occupied the southern peak. The plateau of the mountain, which has since been turned into a large open-air museum, has been battered by fortifications, trenches, caverns and firing positions. Even the fantastic views can only temporarily distract from such startling, yet admonishing impressions: the Sesto, Braies and Ampezzo Dolomites with showpieces such as the Three Peaks, the Hohe Gaisl and the Cristallostock are on parade all around. The most interesting option on Monte Piana is a traverse with an ascent via the bold Austrian Pioneer Trail and the tourist trail as a descent route. The Hauptmann-Bilgeri via ferrata promises a hearty climbing experience.(Automatically translated by DeepL)