Pasubio Loop (Monte Testo and Corno Battisti)
A 14 km loop on Pasubio that starts from the Austro-Hungarian cemetery above Giazzera and takes in Corno Battisti, Monte Testo and Rifugio Lancia. Tunnels to explore by headlamp, gnocchi with fioretta at Malga Zocchi, and a return through the fields below Col Santo.
STATS (my take)
- Beauty: 8/10
- Effort: 7/10
- History: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Duration: 5 hours (food stops included)
Route overview
- Start from the Austro-Hungarian cemetery above Giazzera
- Stop at Malga Zocchi (excellent gnocchi with fioretta, a fresh whey cream)
- Stop at Corno Battisti (with views over Vallarsa)
- Stop at Monte Testo (with a 360-degree view of the Trentino Pre-Alps)
- Lunch at Rifugio Lancia (the polenta with griddled cheese is excellent)
- Return through the golden fields below Col Santo
A few photos
The images show, in order: views of Col Santo, the view over Rifugio Lancia, the cross on Monte Testo, some photos of the Austro-Hungarian tunnels, the spot where Cesare Battisti and Fabio Filzi were captured, and a few dozing (and happy) cows.
My thoughts
It's a loop worth doing at least once in your life. Stopping at Malga Zocchi for gnocchi with fioretta and smoked ricotta is a must, just remember the kitchen opens at noon. Going via Corno Battisti is essential for the history.
I thought it would be great to come up from Vallarsa through the tunnel with the via ferrata inside it. I'll do that next time.
Monte Testo is worth it simply for the beautiful 360-degree view, though you'll be tempted to take those extra three hours and push on to the Dente Austriaco and the Dente Italiano. On Monte Testo you can explore the Austro-Hungarian tunnels, which form a very intricate network. Bring a headlamp, because some sections are really dark.
On the way back I stopped at the Lancia, where I ate particularly well and lingered chatting with the other guests. Instead of taking the usual gravel road down, I climbed back up to Col Santo and walked through fields more beautiful than the ones in Gladiator.
It's a hike I really recommend, both for the history and for getting off the usual mainstream trails.
