Tucked into the rugged cliffs of Monte Pasubio in Northern Italy, the Strada delle 52 Gallerie (Road of 52 Tunnels) is one of the most unforgettable day hikes in Europe—for both its dramatic views and its haunting past.

Built by Italian soldiers during World War I, this 6.5km military mule road climbs through 52 hand-carved tunnels, wrapping hikers in history as they ascend toward open alpine views and remnants of a once-critical warfront.

Today, it’s not just a hike—it’s a living museum, a bucket-list trail that solo travelers, history lovers, and adventure seekers alike won’t soon forget.

In this guide, I’ll break down:

  • How to get to the trailhead (with public transport and car options)
  • What to pack for a safe and comfortable hike
  • Tips for solo hikers
  • What to expect on the trail, tunnel by tunnel
  • Best time to go, weather notes, and safety tips

I’ll also share my own reflections—because hiking this trail didn’t just leave me in awe of the landscape. It made me feel the story behind the stones.

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What Is the Strada delle 52 Gallerie?

The Strada delle 52 Gallerie (Road of 52 Tunnels) isn’t just a hiking trail—it’s one of Italy’s most daring feats of wartime engineering, carved directly into the cliffs of Monte Pasubio in the Veneto region.

A Brief History: Built in 10 Months During WWI

In 1917, during the height of World War I, the Italian Army’s 33rd Mining Company constructed this 6.5-kilometer military mule road to move troops and supplies safely, away from Austrian artillery fire.

  • Engineered by: Lieutenant Giuseppe Zappa
  • Conceived by: Captain L. Motti
  • Carved by: Soldiers and miners using hand tools
  • Completed in: Just 10 months

The path climbs dramatically through 52 hand-carved tunnels, each blasted into the rock to protect soldiers and mules from enemy visibility. At the time, the route was a top-secret logistical marvel.

A informative board you can read while on the Strada Delle 52 Galleries about the history of the old military mule road.
Artillery on display at the Strada Delle 52 Galleries.

Why It Matters Today

Walking this trail is like stepping back in time. Each tunnel and switchback carries a story. You’re not just hiking—you’re retracing the footsteps of soldiers who carved their survival into stone.

52 Tunnels Trail Overview

Trail InfoDetails
Starting PointParking lot above Passo Xomo
Distance14.9 km round-trip
Estimated Time4 to 5 hours
Elevation Gain+1,065 m
Highest Point1,913 m
Signposts to Follow366, 370
Main Rest StopRifugio Achille Papa
RouteUp via Strada delle 52 Gallerie, down via Strada degli Scarubbi
Pro Tip for Hikers:

The climb is steady but manageable. The tunnels can get dark—bring a reliable headlamp, even in daylight.

Why Hike the Strada delle 52 Gallerie?


  • History You Can Feel: Each tunnel was dug by hand during WWI. You’ll walk in the footsteps of the past—literally.
  • Unreal Views: The higher you go, the more the Venetian Prealps open up around you. It’s dramatic, photogenic, and absolutely worth the effort.
  • Adventure Without the Crowds (if timed right): This trail is popular, yes, but if you start early or go shoulder season, you can find stillness, even silence, in the heart of the mountains.

My Experience Hiking the Strada delle 52 Gallerie Solo

a tunnel etched into a mountain side of the strada delle 52 galleries

Why This Hike Stays With Me

The Strada delle 52 Gallerie is one of the most unforgettable trails I’ve ever done—and not just because of the views. This trail taught me about resilience, awareness, and listening to my gut.

I’ve attempted it more than once, each time with a different lesson: shifting weather, eerie tunnel solitude, and moments where I had to choose safety over pushing on. The blend of WWI history, Alpine drama, and physical challenge makes this one of my favorite hikes in Northern Italy.

Solo Hiking the 52 Tunnels: Safety Tips from My Experience

Can you hike the Strada delle 52 Gallerie solo? Yes—but you need to be prepared. This is not a beginner-level stroll. Weather can change fast, and the narrow ledges and dark tunnels can feel intense, especially if you’re alone.

Solo Safety Checklist:

  • Turn back if conditions worsen or you feel unsafe—there’s no shame in that callde me uneasy. I decided to turn back—and it was the right choice.
  • Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back
  • Check the weather forecast the morning of your hike—don’t rely on day-before predictions
  • Bring a headlamp (even mid-day—those tunnels are dark)

When’s the Best Time to Hike the Strada delle 52 Gallerie?

June-October (Recommended!)
The trail comes alive with fall colors, and the crowds thin out. I returned in October after weeks of rain, hoping for good light for drone footage. As I climbed, the mist began to rise and roll through the valleys—it was surreal. The contrast of golden foliage and craggy rock? Pure magic.

November-April (Caution!)
Great for training (I used it to prep for my Alta Via 2 section hike), but ice and snow past Tunnel 30 are common well into spring. If you go this early, bring microspikes and be prepared to turn back.

Can Kids or Dogs Hike This Trail?

Kids:
Strada Delle 52 Galleries is not ideal for young children. While older, experienced hikers may do fine, the long tunnel sections and exposed drop-offs can be overwhelming. My nephew made it halfway before tunnel fatigue kicked in hard.

Dogs:
I wouldn’t bring my dogs. The ledges are too exposed, and the terrain can be slippery or unstable in parts. That said, some people do hike with dogs, but leash laws are in effect, and you need full voice control and solid obedience training. If your dog pulls or gets anxious in the dark, skip it.

The first tunnel of the Strada Delle 52 Galleries.

Parking & How to Get to Strada Delle 52 Galleries

Parcheggio Strada delle 52 Gallerie – Bocchetta Campiglia

Parking at the 52 Tunnels Trailhead


Cost: €6 for 24 hours (bring coins or a card for the meter)
Location: Bocchetta Campiglia, above Passo Xomo
Parking Options:
Lower lot (fills quickly on weekends)
Upper lot (shorter walk to the tunnel entrance)
Pro Tip: Arrive by 8:30 am in high season to secure a spot, especially on weekends or holidays.ng elit. Aenean diam dolor, accumsan sed rutrum vel, dapibus et leo.

Important Driving Tips for the Strada delle 52 Gallerie


The road leading to the Strada delle 52 Gallerie parking lot is narrow and two-way, so be sure to drive slowly and stay alert for oncoming traffic. Make sure you’re comfortable driving on tight, winding roads before heading up to the trailhead.

Driving Tips for Reaching the Trail

  • The final stretch to the parking lot (via Strada Pra Lungo) is narrow, winding, and two-way.
  • Use caution—this is a mountain road with limited guardrails.
  • If you’re uncomfortable with tight, steep turns, consider coming on a weekday or off-season when traffic is lighter.

From Vicenza:

  • Head to Schio
  • Follow signs for Santa Caterina and Passo Xomo
  • Then take Strada Pra Lungo to the trailhead

This is the most straightforward and less confusing route compared to some of Google’s auto-suggestions, which may try to reroute you through smaller villages.

Getting to the Strada delle 52 Gallerie from Major Cities

Departure CityDistanceDrive Time
Vicenza61 km1 hr 10 min
Verona104 km1 hr 45 min
Venice125 km1 hr 35 min
Milan252 km3 hr 20 min
Innsbruck (AT)240 km3 hr 15 min

Stay Overnight at Rifugio Achille Papa (and Make It a Two-Day Adventure)

Want to extend your Strada delle 52 Gallerie experience beyond a day hike? Staying overnight at Rifugio Achille Papa lets you fully immerse yourself in the history, solitude, and dramatic scenery of Monte Pasubio—especially after the crowds clear.

Why Stay Here?

  • Wake up at 1,928 meters with panoramic views of the Venetian Prealps.
  • Watch sunset light flood the mountains—a moment few day hikers get to experience.
  • Sleep in a historic WWI site, originally a masonry shelter turned military barracks.
  • Perfect for solo travelers who want a meaningful, quiet mountain stay with rustic charm.

Need-to-Know Info

Location: Porte del Pasubio, on the Pasubio Massif (end of the 52 Tunnels trail)

Altitude: 1,928 meters

Open Dates (2024):

  • June 1 – October 13: Daily
  • October 14 – November 10: Weekends only
  • On-site Dining: Warm meals available—no need to carry dinner in your pack
  • Reservations Recommended: Especially in summer; email or call ahead, Read all about how to make reservations at Rifugios here

For more details, including availability and reservations, visit Rifugio Achille Papa’s website.

What to Expect on the Strada delle 52 Gallerie Trail

A sign in italian at the start of the Strada Delle 52 Galleries which says "In case of encounter with a bear break the glass" and theres toilet paper behind glass.
  • From the moment you pass through the turnstile at Tunnel 1, the adventure begins. The trail wastes no time—you’ll be climbing steadily, and quickly feel the elevation change.

Strada Delle 52 Tunnels Key Trail Highlights:

Final ascent to Tunnel 48–52: The trail tops out around 2,000 meters, with sweeping vistas across the Pasubio Massif.

First 20 tunnels: Steep incline, narrow paths, dramatic views—look for Alpini memorials carved into the rock.

Tunnel Names: Each is named after a soldier or region in Italy—slow down and notice them, especially if you’re hiking solo.

Fontana d’Oro Pass (~Tunnel 40): A flatter section with expansive views and a chance to catch your breath.

The Ascent

Inside a tunnel on the Strada Delle 52 Galleries
Scarubbi road stretching out before you on the Strada Delle 52 Galleries.
A Hut situated by the Rifugio on the Strada Delle 52 Galleries.

What to Pack for the Strada delle 52 Gallerie

Here’s what I personally never hike this trail without:

  • Headlamp – Yes, I’m yelling. Some tunnels are pitch black, even at noon.
  • Reusable Water Bottle – Bring at least 1.5L. There’s no water along the trail.
  • Rain Jacket – Weather shifts fast in the Dolomites. Wind and rain are common, especially in shoulder season.
  • Waterproof Hiking Boots – Slippery tunnel floors and loose rock demand good grip.
  • Trail Snacks – Granola, dried fruit, or anything high energy to keep you going.
  • Small Trash Bag – Pack out everything. Let’s keep this place as wild and moving as it was meant to be.

Pictures of the Strada Delle 52 Galleries

  • A person with long hair stands on a rocky mountain path, wearing a purple shirt and green pants. Facing away, they gaze at the rugged mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The scene along Strada Delle 52 Galleries conveys tranquility and the beauty of hiking in Italys nature.
  • Mountain landscape with a steep rocky slope and winding paths. Two adjacent buildings, one painted yellow and the other white, are nestled in a valley. Beyond the charming Rifugio Achille Papa, rugged mountain peaks rise under a blue sky, perfect for hiking in Italy.
  • A Red Via Ferrata Caution sign posted to a rugged mountainside
  • A rugged path leads to a small cave entrance on the rocky peak, surrounded by clouds. Sparse vegetation grows on the rock as the partly cloudy sky adds a mystical, elevated atmosphere. This could be a scene from hiking Strada Delle 52 Galleries in Italy.
  • A dimly lit tunnel with rough stone walls leads to an exit, where natural light and mist create a hazy effect. The ground is covered with gravel and small rocks, reminiscent of the trails on the Strada Delle 52 Galleries in Italy. The archway at the end opens to a rocky, misty scene.
  • A person wearing a headlamp and backpack stands on a rocky, foggy trail along the Road of 52 Tunnels, gazing at the misty landscape. The sky is partially visible with patches of blue and clouds.
  • A weathered stone wall with a rectangular plaque embedded on it hints at the adventure of hiking in Italy. The plaque has an arrow pointing downwards and reads Vaio del Motto with some faint, smaller text beneath it, evoking the rugged charm found along paths like Strada Delle 52 Galleries.
  • A shadow of a woman in front of a mountain with blue sky
  • Mountain ledge with cross and blue skies
  • Mountainside with number and a tunnel
  • A rocky mountain path, reminiscent of Italys Road of 52 Tunnels, is enveloped in thick fog, obscuring the view. The terrain is rugged, with patches of greenery visible among the rocks. The atmosphere is misty and mysterious, with limited visibility.

Strada Delle 52 Tunnels Trail Map

Strada Delle 52 Tunnels Loop Trail

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Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you plan your day at the Strada delle 52 Gallerie! Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned pro, this incredible trail offers a mix of history, breathtaking views, and a true outdoor adventure.

If you have any questions about the hike or need recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below! I’d love to hear about your experience and offer any additional tips to make your hike even better.

Kimberly Kephart is a travel writer and content creator specializing in solo travel, hiking, and cultural experiences. With over 40 countries explored and years of living abroad as a military spouse, she brings firsthand knowledge and a global perspective to her work. Through her blog, she provides practical, experience-driven guides that inspire meaningful, immersive travel. Her writing is grounded in empathy, local insight, and a deep appreciation for slow, intentional journeys.