From Vienna To Passo di Xomo.

From Vienna it’s an 800 km drive until you reach Passo di Xomo, which is the starting off point. The drive itself is a pleasure, because the scenery makes up for the hours of driving. Still, it’s a long way to go with a camper van and we only arrived far after lunch. Therefore we decided to spend the night at Rifugio Passo Xomo (approx. 50 € per room). Early the next morning we drove up the remaining 4 km to Bocchetta Campiglia from where the hike begins. You can park your car here for 6 € per day.

Tunnels 1 to 52.

The road of 52 tunnels is not just any hike; it’s a hike through history. This military mountain road was built during World War I. It was (and still is) a real masterpiece of military engineering and boldness, considering the conditions back then. It was constructed in just 10 months (!) from February to November 1917 under the guidance of Lieutenant Joseph Zappa. It’s hard to imagine how soldiers carried up supplies and minors built these mountain tunnels in the middle of winter.

The hike itself is rather easy, though enduring due to its length of 6.5 kilometres and the elevation gain (with an average 12% grade). There are plenty of rocks to rest and soak up the stunning views.

Every tunnel is special in a way, but one of the most well known and impressive ones is Nr. 20. This tunnel is carved out of a rock tower and is spiralling upwards for 87 meters! Nr. 47 is also amazing, because it’s the highest point from where you have an amazing view of the area.

What Do Bring:

• A (head)torch is essential, because some tunnels are quite long and pitch dark.
• And good hiking boots are recommended, because it can get quite slippery.

Finally: Pasta, Pasta!

It took us about three hours to reach the end of the trail, where you’ll immediately see Rifugio Achille Papa. We spoiled ourselves and ordered a well deserved Italian pasta. As already said, the hike itself is not too difficult, but we were pretty exhausted anyway. Oh and the Rigugio even has a few rooms, so if you feel too tired to walk back the same day, just spend the night. Be sure to make a reservation though (especially on weekends).

From up here, there are two ways back to the car park: you can either turn around and head right back down on the Strada delle 52 Gallerie or you can take the gently winding road. We went for the dirt road, which is used to transport supplies up to the Rifugio. After 17.5 kilometres, we finally reached the parking lot. Exhausted but also exited to have just walked in the footsteps of history.

Hiking through the Strada delle 52 Gallerie is a walk through history.

The entrance of tunnel Nr. 1.

The Strada delle 52 Gallerie trail alternates between a dirt track and tunnels dug out of the mountain.

The longest tunnel is Nr. 19, with 318 m length.

Strada delle 52 Gallerie starts at Bocchetta di Campiglia (altitude of 1216 m) and ends at the Porte del Pasubio (altitude of 1928 m).

Strada delle 52 Gallerie was originally built as a supply line for Italian troops who were defending against Austrian and Hungarian forces. The path was made to accommodate the soldiers and their mules.

Strada delle 52 Gallerie is located approx. 30km from Lake Garda, one of the most beautiful areas in northern Italy.

Hiking along the Strada delle 52 Gallerie is an amazing experience – also because of the stunning views!

Rifugio Achille Papa is located right at the end of Strada delle 52 Gallerie and a perfect spot for a nice lunch.

It’s a deal.

Ulli and I made a deal not too long ago, to drive somewhere new at least once every second month. After all, we live in the centre of Europe and have neighbouring countries pretty much in front of our doorstep. This time, South Tyrol was on our list. We’ve been here before, but never in the area around the Antholzer See. For a travel photographer, this area offers truly great photo opportunities!

Crystal clear turquoise water.

After driving along for a while, we checked into a small farmhouse B&B and were ready to explore the area further. Accommodation can easily be found in the surrounding villages, either on the Austrian or the Italian side, so there’s no need for pre-booking.

Anyway, as a good start, we decided to walk around the crystal clear Antholzer See. The turquoise water is in fact out of this world! Combine this with the amazing mountain range - still with some snow on the top - as well as the thick forests surrounding the lake, and you’ll get the most enduring impression ever!

It was a long weekend and therefore we were not the only ones, but the good thing is that this location is pretty much a dead end, so not too many people come here. There is only one road that continues to the Austrian border up to the pass, as a one way system regulated with a traffic light. The road is pretty narrow and winding, so only cyclists can get along fast.

In this area it seems like time has stood still. Sure, there’s (limited) internet and phone access, but the way of living hasn’t changed all that much. I felt like the mountains radiate some sort of energy that automatically makes you feel more at ease. Exactly what you need after a busy week in the city…

The village of Bruneck.

A visit to the largest town of the area followed. Bruneck is a great place for real authentic Italian food, which was what we were after. But it has more to offer: It’s a cute little town with a neat pedestrian area, cosy cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops. Bruneck’s picturesque streets bustle with life. Nearby await the Dolomites where walkers, hikers and climbers can set out for some of South Tyrol’s most striking beauty and variety.

This short weekend trip again reminded us of the fact, that Europe has some of the most stunning landscapes you can find!

The water of the Antholzer See, South Tyrol, is so clear that reflections can be seen pretty much any given day (if the weather is on your side).

Walking around the Antholzer See, South Tyrol, will give you some of the most stunning impressions in the area…

The best time to visit the area around the Antholzer See, South Tyrol, is definitely summer and the beginning of autumn.

Living away from all the hassle of a city has it’s advantages: Not only do you get a stunning view every time you look out the window, but if feels like the way of living is more relaxed…

The striking mountains in the area around the Antholzer See, South Tyrol, are really amazing!

For a travel photographer, the area around the Antholzer See, South Tyrol, offers great photo opportunities.