A military road to Monte Specie in the Dolomites
Monte Specie is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,308m (7,572ft) above sea level, located in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in South Tyrol, Italy. Along the way, you can see ruins reminiscent of the First World War.
Where is Monte Specie?
The peak, also known as Strudelkopf, is located in the Braies Valley, within the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park of the Dolomites, in the northern part of the country.
How long is the road to Monte Specie?
The road to the summit is entirely unpaved. Starting from Parkplatz Plätzwiese, the road is 5.0 km (3.10 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 334m. The average gradient is 6.68%. The road is closed to private vehicles.
Is the road to Monte Specie worth it?
The road to the summit is an old military road built during the First World War.Along the route, you will see the Unità d'alloggio I - Landro e Prato Piazza, an Austro-Hungarian building built opposite the Rifugio Vallandro along the former border with Italy, and used until the First World War. Nothing remains but the fortified stone walls. It no longer has the roof, the door, the windows, or even the shutters. At the summit, there is a cross commemorating the Val Pusteria freedom fighters. Atop Monte Specie, there are sensational views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, the Cristallo Group, and even the Tofane Group.
Pic: Paolo Cominetti