Alta Via n. 8 of the Dolomites: the Trail of Heroes, from Feltre to Bassano del Grappa
Start: Feltre (BL) — Finish: Bassano del Grappa (VI) — Duration: 4 days — Length: approx. 60 km — Elevation gain: significant, with approx. 1,600 m in the final descent alone — Difficulty: E/EE — Recommended period: April-November — Mountain group: Grappa Massif — Refuges and bivouacs: Grappa — Highest point: Cima Grappa, 1,775 m.
Alta Via n. 8, known as the «Alta Via degli Eroi» (Trail of Heroes), is the last and southernmost of the Dolomite Alte Vie: devised in 1972 by the mountaineer Italo Zandonella Callegher, it ideally links the Belluno Dolomites to the Venetian plain. From Feltre the route climbs along the long ridge of the Grappa Massif, through high-altitude pastures and First World War forts and trenches, in a striking succession of ups and downs up to its highest point at Cima Grappa, 1,775 metres, home to the famous military shrine. From here the route descends along a long stretch toward Bassano del Grappa, crossing places steeped in the historical memory that gives the trail its name. A four-day walk suitable even for hikers without extensive experience, combining scenery, history and views that open up, on clear days, all the way to the plain and the Venetian lagoon.
Discover all the Alte Vie of the Dolomites Quick Facts
- Stages: 4 (3 days from Feltre to Cima Grappa + 1 day descent to Bassano)
- Length: approx. 60 km
- Difficulty: demanding on the Feltre-Grappa ridge section, easier on the final descent (approx. 1,600 m of negative elevation change)
- Start: Feltre
- Finish: Bassano del Grappa
Did you know?
Devised in 1972 by Italo Zandonella Callegher, the «Alta Via degli Eroi» (Trail of Heroes) crosses the Grappa Massif in memory of the many soldiers who fell fighting there during the First World War. The route combines scenery, historical memory, and views that open onto the Venetian plain.
The Memory of Grappa
The highest point of the route, Cima Grappa, has been home since 1935 to the great Military Shrine holding the remains of nearly 23,000 fallen soldiers — over 12,600 Italians and more than 10,000 Austro-Hungarians from the First World War — one of the largest war ossuaries on the Italian front. It is no coincidence that Alta Via n. 8, devised in 1972 by Italo Zandonella Callegher and known as the “Alta Via degli Eroi” (Trail of Heroes), has every step crossing trenches, tunnels and positions that for over a year formed Italy's last line of defence after the defeat at Caporetto.
On the clearest days, the Venetian plain can be seen from the summit all the way to the Venice lagoon: a view that symbolically closes the system of Alte Vie, from the high Dolomite peaks down to the sea.