This guided hike at the Cinque Torri is the best for world-class photography spots blended with the moving history of the Great War. Visit open-air museums, a beautiful lake at the foot of the Tofane massif and step into a landscape that feels like another planet. Hike between the Five Towers (Cinque Torri), a cluster of towering limestone pillars in the Dolomites and stop for a delicious hut lunch or aperitif high up in the mountains. Cinque Torri is calling!
Highlights
- Walk between the towering limestone pillars of the iconic Cinque Torri
- Explore the Great War Open-Air Museum with restored trenches and bunkers
- Savor local cold cuts and an aperitif at a high-altitude mountain hut
- Spot climbers scaling the vertical walls of the towers
- Visit the mystical "Nymph Lake" at the foot of the Tofane massif
Itinerary
On this guided day hike, you’ll explore this jagged paradise from every angle. We’ll use a chairlift to jump-start your adventure, putting you immediately at high altitude surrounded by green meadows and grey stone. As you weave between the giant pillars, your guide will reveal the history of the First World War, where soldiers lived and fought. Today, the trenches serve as a fascinating open-air museum. Between history lessons, you'll enjoy a lunch or aperitif at a mountain hut known for its gourmet take on local traditions. Join us for a day of culture, nature, and flavor!-
Day 1
Cinque Torri and WWI Day Hike
Start your day with a scenic chairlift ride that whisks you up into the heart of the Five Towers area. We’ll walk the open-air museum trails, navigating between towering stone pillars and exploring historic military positions from the Great War. The path offers incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding massifs and the chance to see climbers in action. We’ll enjoy an alpine break at a local mountain hut before descending through forest trails to a peaceful alpine pond.(~2 hours hiking, 4,7km / 2,9 miles, 67m / 220' ascent, 446m / 1,463' descent.)
More information
Hike - ModerateActive days with 4-6 hours of hiking, averaging 10-13 km / 6-8 miles per day. Elevation gains range from 300-600m / 1,000-2,000', with some steep or uneven sections on gravel or single-track trails. Routes may include one or two more challenging climbs to rewarding viewpoints. Some nights may be spent in mountain rifugios, requiring a light overnight pack. A steady pace with breaks for lunch or cultural stops; trekking poles recommended. Transfer options may be available on some days.
Necessary Equipment – Not Provided
Footwear
- Lightweight or mid-weight hiking boots (waterproof, sturdy, with ankle support)
- Trail running shoes (for trail running trips—not road-running shoes)
- Note: Road-running shoes or sneakers are NOT suitable for hiking or trail running trips
Clothing
- Long-sleeved synthetic or cotton shirt
- Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton T-shirts
- Regular underwear (synthetics recommended)
- Medium-weight synthetic jacket
- Quick-drying full-length pants
- Shorts
- Lightweight Gore-Tex or equivalent rain/wind jacket and pants
- Baseball cap or wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bandanna
Gear
- Daypack (20L for hotel-based trips; 35L for hut-to-hut trips)
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Water bottle (1-1.5 quart) or hydration system
- Trekking poles (recommended for knee support and stability)
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit
- Toiletry kit
- Lightweight socks (liner socks and synthetic athletic socks)
- Silk sleeping bag liner (required for rifugio dormitory accommodation)
- Small amount of laundry detergent for handwashing
- Ziploc bags for organization
- Gloves and warm hat (for high-altitude hikes)
- 3/4-finger leather gloves (for via ferrata)
- Ace bandage or brace for knee/ankle support
- Spare prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Camera with extra batteries or charger
- Swimsuit (some hotels have pools and saunas)
- Casual clothes for evenings
What You Need to Know
Layering for Mountain Weather Summer temperatures can hit 80°F / 25°C in the valleys but drop to 60°F / 15°C on summits during the day and as low as 30°F / 0°C in the evening. Layer up with synthetic fabrics like polypropylene or Capilene®—they wick moisture and dry fast. Wool or wool/synthetic blends work too. Always pack rain gear; mountain weather changes fast.
Footwear Tips Break in new boots or trail running shoes before your trip. Pack blister protection like Band-Aid Blister Block—even old shoes can cause trouble on long days.
Trail running shoes are built for off-road terrain with deeper lugs, aggressive tread, and stiffer soles to protect against rocks and roots.
Trekking Poles Recommended for those that need knee support on descents and added stability. Practice with one or two before the trip. Price is around €45 per stick. Not required for everyone, but they help.
More information
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