Passo Tonale - Forte Mero

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Passo Tonale - Forte Mero

Category

Difficulty

Moderate

Activity time

2:30

Durata in ore

Distance

3.7

Distance in km

Download GPX

Simple excursion on a dirt road to Forte Mero, a former Austro-Hungarian fortification from the First World War at Passo del Tonale.

Forte Mero is an Austrian fort built to defend the borders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The fort was built between 1911 and 1913 and represented the connection between Forte Zaccarana and Forte Presanella. It was a medium-sized fortification, constructed with compressed concrete and iron beams. This excursion, suitable for everyone, includes going out and back on the same road and starts from the historic San Bartolomeo Hospice at nearly 2000 meters altitude. The elevation difference is about 150 meters, and the outward trip is slightly downhill. Upon arriving at the fort you continue for a few more minutes to reach a former military village called the Strino barracks.

Forte Mero

Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

Forte Mero

Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

Forte Mero

Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

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Route info

Moderate

Distance

3.7 km

Activity time

2:30 h.

Uphill Elevation

31 m

Downhill elevation

154 m

Physical effort

Scenary

Highest point

1984 m

Lowest point

1836 m

Height difference

148 m

Copyright

APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

Suggestions

Points of interest: Forte Mero, Strino Barracks, San Bartolomeo Hospice.

Safety information

Rules for mountain walks:

The passability of routes in a mountain environment is strictly linked to current conditions and therefore depends on natural phenomena, environmental changes, and weather conditions. For this reason, inform yourself well about the route and its conditions before setting off. You can do this by contacting the Information Office nearest to you.
If you plan to reach an alpine hut or refuge, make sure they are open and, if you intend to stay to eat or sleep, call them in advance to book.
Leave information about your itinerary and always carry your phone with you.
In case of an accident call the number 112.
Never abandon waste at altitude and, if possible, avoid leaving it at the refuges or mountain huts you visit.
If you see wild animals along the route, we invite you to stay on the path you are following, do not approach too closely, do not shout, and keep your dog on a leash to prevent it from instinctively chasing them and frightening them.

Starting point

Parking at the historic San Bartolomeo Hospice at Passo del Tonale

Directions

From the starting point, continue east along the dirt road that crosses the panoramic Tonale plateau until you reach Forte Mero (1,840 m), a former Austro-Hungarian fortification built between 1911 and 1913. Here there is a picnic area. From here, continue toward the Strino barracks, an Austro-Hungarian military village. The return is planned along the same route.

Public transportation

You can reach Val di Sole by the train TRENTO - MALÈ - MEZZANA (download the outbound and return timetables) up to Malè. From Malè, you can reach Tonale by the bus MALE'.MEZZANA-FUCINE-VERMIGLIO-PASSO DEL TONALE (download the outbound and return timetables). Then ascend from the Valbiolo chairlift car park towards San Bartolomeo Hospice.

How to get there

Follow the SS42 towards Passo del Tonale and follow signs for San Bartolomeo Hospice.

Where to park

San Bartolomeo Hospice car park.

To undertake this walk we recommend wearing boots and a hat and carrying a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and a water bottle in your backpack.

Don’t forget a camera or phone to capture the views and scenes you like most. If you want, you can share them on social media using #visitvaldisole.