How to get to Forra Del Lupo and What to Expect

You can hike the Dolomites for years and never hear about Forra del Lupo or as the locals call it
Sentiero delle Trincee e Forra del Lupo/Wolfschlucht. Once you do, you will wonder why this WWI trail is not on every traveler’s list. Plus, it gets you into a less touristy region of the Dolomites.

Tucked away in Trentino’s Folgaria region, on the Serrada Massif, the Wolf Gorge trail leads you through narrow wartime trenches carved into the mountain more than a century ago. It is part history lesson, part alpine adventure, and part time machine, ending at the haunting ruins of Forte Dosso delle Somme (depending on which way you go), a massive Austro-Hungarian fort that still looms over the valleys.

If you are planning a Dolomites trip, and want something beyond Tre Cime or Seceda, this hike offers raw beauty, fascinating history, and fewer crowds. Here is how to experience it without getting lost, running out of breath, or missing the best views.

This Post Pairs Well With:

• Is Cadini Di Misurina Still Worth the Hike? Overtourism in the Dolomites
• Easy Day Hikes in The Dolomites: Val Venegia in the Pale Di San Martino
• Alta Via 1 and 2 With Bookatrekking: What to Expect
• Alta Via 1 and 2 Packing List for Solo Female Travelers
• How to Book a Rifugio in the Dolomites

What Is Forra del Lupo?

Forra del Lupo is a trench-like passage carved during World War I. Known as Wolf’s Gorge, it once allowed Austro-Hungarian soldiers to move through the mountains unseen.

The trail was rediscovered in the late 2000s and restored for hikers. Today it is a mix of steep rock walls, wooden catwalks, and lookout points, with sections still hidden by moss and overgrowth. Walking it feels like stepping into another time, with nature slowly reclaiming the scars of war.

What is Forte Dosse Delle Somme or Work Serrada?

So this is the coolest part of living in Northern Italy, you get acquainted with some pretty epic and somber WWI history. Forte Dosso delle Somme is known to the Austro-Hungarians as Werk Serrada; it was one of the main WWI forts built to defend the Folgaria plateau in Trentino. Perched above the village of Serrada, it formed part of the fortified line that once marked the border between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy. Today, this historic frontier sits between Veneto and Trentino, but during World War I it was one of the most contested stretches of the Italian Front.

From its strategic ridge, the fort was designed to stop Italian forces moving through the Val d’Astico and Passo della Borcola and to control the route toward Monte Pasubio. Like many WWI forts in the Dolomites and Trentino region, it came under intense bombardment in the early days of the conflict. The structure was damaged but remained standing.

The true destruction happened later. Between the two world wars, salvagers dismantled much of the fort to extract the steel beams hidden inside its concrete walls. Because of this, Forte Dosso delle Somme survives today as a dramatic ruin. The exterior can still be walked and photographed, but the interior is unstable and unsafe to enter (the bottom parts at least)

A Word of Caution….

Most hikers explore it from the outside, taking in the scale of what was once one of Trentino’s most important Austro-Hungarian mountain fortresses. If you do go inside please stay vigilant and watch where you step, as it can get a little precarious. You’ll need a headlamp if you have the gaull to go in!

We went into a few passage ways, but I was cautious as not to go down in the bottom floor and there were holes in the ground, broken stairs, so BE careful.

Route Options

You can hike the loop in either direction.

Standard Route

• Start at Parcheggio pubblico Cogola.
• Hike through Forra del Lupo first, then climb to Forte Dosso delle Somme.
• Pros: Begin with the gorge’s drama.
• Cons: The climb to the fort is steep and sustained.

Reverse Route (Easier)

• Begin at Forte Dosso delle Somme via SP143.
• Descend toward the gorge, ending with Forra del Lupo.
• Pros: Saves your legs on the climb.
• Cons: You see the gorge last instead of first.

If conserving energy matters, choose the reverse route.

Step-by-Step Trail Guide to Forra Del Lupo and Forte Dosso Delle Somme

1. Start at Cogola

Park at the public lot in Cogola, just off Strada Provinciale 143. There are no facilities here, so bring water and snacks.

2. To Forte Dosso delle Somme

Following the reverse route, walk or drive up SP143 toward the fort. The road leads through alpine pastures with views of Dosso Alto and Pazul. Near the top you will find rocky sections, a short tunnel, and the final steep push to the fort.

3. Exploring the Fort

The fort is enormous, with multiple floors and long corridors. A [headlamp](AFFILIATE LINK) makes exploring easier and more fun. Watch for sharp drops, uneven floors, and open shafts. If you have time, continue past the main structure to explore more trenches and wartime remnants — similar to what you will see on the [Monte Cengio hike](LINK to your post).

4. Toward Forra del Lupo

From the fort, descend toward the gorge. The downhill is steep in places, so [trekking poles](AFFILIATE LINK to recommended poles) are helpful. As you enter Forra del Lupo, the walls rise above you and the path narrows. You will cross wooden bridges, pass historical signs, and find open stretches with stunning alpine views.

Why This Trail Is Special

I thought this trail was special because of the historical side of it, there are so many things we don’t know about when it comes to WWI. Walking through the trenches and stairs once carved by soldiers is quite eyeopening.

• Walk in the footsteps of soldiers from over a century ago
• Experience the contrast between the shadowy gorge and sunlit alpine meadows
• Enjoy a moderate, well-marked trail that rewards without overwhelming
• See a WWI fort up close without heavy tourist traffic

Best Time to Hike Forra del Lupo

Late May to mid-October offers the safest and most scenic conditions. Expect:

• Clear, snow-free paths
• Wildflowers in early summer near the fort, similar to my Val Venegia spring hike
• Stable weather and longer daylight

Avoid late fall through early spring. Shaded trench sections can hold ice well into May, and steep passages become dangerous.

What to Bring

Making sure you hike smart is the best thing you can do. Here is everything I recommend for a wonderful, easy-going hike in the Dolomites!

Hiking shoes with a strong grip — These Salomon hiking boots are my favorites. Sturdy and protective

Trekking poles for steep descents– You’ll have to order two 😉

Headlamp for the fort’s interior — and also if you are out past sundown– always a good thing to have on you !

Layered clothing for changing mountain weather

Not sure what to pack for the Dolomites? See my complete packing list

How to Get to Forra Del Lupo by Car

Detail	Information
Trailhead	Parcheggio pubblico Cogola, Serrada
Road Access	Off SP143 from SP350
GPS	[Komoot Trail Link Here]
Parking	Free public lot
From Vicenza	~1 hr 20 min (95 km)
From Trento	~1 hr (44 km)
From Rovereto	~35 min (26 km)
Public Transport	No direct access; driving recommended

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FAQ

Is Hike to Fora Del Lupo beginner-friendly?
Moderate difficulty. Fit beginners can handle it, especially in reverse.

Can kids do the Fora Del Lupo hike?
Yes, active children aged 8+ with hiking experience.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash.

Where to eat nearby?
Baita Tonda or the small restaurant near the parking area. Check the hours of both because they fluctuate.

Final Thoughts

The Forra del Lupo loop blends alpine scenery with a direct connection to history. Standing among the fort’s stone walls, looking over Trentino’s valleys, you feel the weight of the past and the resilience of the landscape.

If you want a Dolomites hike that avoids the crowds while offering both beauty and meaning, this is the trail to add to your list. For more off-the-beaten-path hikes, check out my Hiking Guides page

Before you hit the trail, make sure you have a comfortable base to return to. I’ve handpicked my favorite places to stay in Trentino and the Dolomites that are perfect for hikers.