Moderately difficult itinerary within the Stelvio National Park, following SAT trail 139, known as the “Trail of the Germans” (“Sentiero dei Todeschi”), as it was built by the Austro-Hungarian army during the First World War.
The trail holds great historical significance and recalls the history of the Peio Valley and beyond during the years of the First World War. It was named this way because it was built by soldiers during the fighting of World War I. Along the path, you can still see military ruins from that era, bearing witness to its past.
Doss dei Gembri chairlift
Photos: Camilla Pizzini, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Doss dei Gembri
Photos: Camilla Pizzini, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Lake Pian Palù from the German Path
Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Near La Colem
Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Photos: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Lake Pian Palù
Photos: Alice Russolo, APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
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Route info
Moderate
Distance
17.8 km
Activity time
6:00 h.
Uphill Elevation
443 m
Downhill elevation
1326 m
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
2552 m
Lowest point
1425 m
Height difference
1127 m
Copyright
APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi
Suggestions
The trek begins at the Doss dei Gembri mountain hut, where we suggest stopping to enjoy a dessert or a traditional dish from Trentino and Val di Sole cuisine. Along the way, you’ll also come across Lake Pian Palù, where you can take a well-deserved break.
A section of the trail is equipped with a rope, so we recommend paying attention.
Safety information
To safely enjoy a hike in the mountains, we recommend:
preparing your hike in advance: check the weather forecast, study the route you'll take, and verify the opening hours of any lift systems, if your itinerary includes them. Keep in mind that trail conditions in the mountains depend heavily on current circumstances such as natural events, environmental changes, and weather. Always get up-to-date information before setting off
informing someone about your route and estimated return time, and taking your phone with you
paying attention to the signs and trail markers along the way: Stelvio National Park signs, SAT white and red markers, and red and white paint marks on rocks or trees
booking in advance any malga or mountain hut where you plan to eat or sleep
never leaving trash in high-altitude areas; if possible, avoid leaving it even at the huts or malghe you visit
if you spot wild animals along the trail, stay on the path, don’t get too close, avoid shouting, and keep your dog on a leash to prevent it from instinctively chasing or scaring them
Starting point
Doss dei Gembri restaurant
Directions
🇬🇧 English From Peio Fonti, take the Peio Fonti – Tarlenta cable car followed by the chairlift, which brings you to the Doss dei Gembri Restaurant at an altitude of 2,316 meters. From the hut, follow trail SAT 138 towards Val de la Mite and then turn left onto trail SAT 139. This is the so-called “Sentiero dei Tedeschi,” from which the hike gets its name. This route was built by the Austro-Hungarian army during the First World War and runs at around 2,300 meters, offering spectacular views of the Taviela and Cadini peaks. After crossing the footbridge over the Taviela stream, continue along a short section of the trail equipped with a fixed safety rope until you reach La Colem. From there, turn right towards Colle Cadini, and after a gentle climb—passing several remnants of military buildings from WWI—you'll reach Valle degli Orsi. Follow trail SAT 122 until it joins with SAT 124, which leads you to Malga Giumela and Lake Pian Palù. Take a relaxing break along the shores of the lake before returning via Fontanino and back to Peio Fonti.
Alternative Route:
As an alternative, once at La Colem, you can leave the Sentiero dei Tedeschi and follow trail SAT 139B down into Val Cadini. After a short distance, at the fork, continue along trail SAT 129 past a charming waterfall. A second fork soon appears—take the SAT 129B trail following the signs for Malga Frattasecca – Cadini Waterfall. This section enters the forest and joins the old military road (SAT 124), leading to Malga Frattasecca. We recommend stopping there to enjoy a dessert or a local dish. From the hut, return to Peio Fonti.
Public transportation
You can reach Peio Fonti with the MALÈ - MEZZANA - FUCINE - COGOLO - PEIO line bus (download the schedules for the outbound and return trips).
How to get there
Follow the SS42 until Fucine and at the junction for Val di Peio, turn right onto the SP87 until you reach Peio Fonti.
Where to park
You can leave your car in the paid parking lot near the starting point of the Peio Fonti - Tarlenta cable car.
To safely enjoy a mountain hike, it’s always useful to:
wear hiking boots suitable for uneven, rough, or wet terrain, long pants, a hat, and sunglasses
pack in your backpack a waterproof jacket, a fleece, hat and gloves, sunscreen, and a change of clothes
bring a water bottle and snacks for energy drops (such as dried fruit, energy bars, or chocolate)
don’t forget your camera or phone to capture your favorite views and landscapes. And if you like, share them on social media using #visitvaldisole
Booking