Stelvio Historical Trek: Le Buse and Fortini Alti Crossing

Hike up the valley floor, crossing a wooden bridge over the stream, and continue along the trail, which—with a steady gradient and a few short steeper sections—leads to the Le Buse military complex, passing by trenches and emplacements carved into the rock.

From the military village, continue following the signs for Fortini Alti. The trail runs along the hillside with some ups and downs and crosses a few short sections of unstable terrain prone to small landslides, where extra caution is required.

Once you reach the Fortini Alti ridge, take the historic military mule trail that descends gently through a forest of mountain pines. Continuing along the main mule track, you’ll reach the 29th hairpin turn of the Stelvio Road, near the I Cantoniera, which marks the end of the route.

Telescopic hiking poles (especially recommended for descents).

Layered clothing suitable for high altitudes.

Waterproof and windproof jacket.

Water (there are no places to refill along the route).

Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

GPS map or downloaded GPX track, given the limited cell phone coverage.

First aid kit.

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Do not attempt this route if there is snow, ice, or inclement weather.

Exercise caution in exposed areas and always stay on the marked trail.

Check trail conditions before setting out.

In foggy conditions, navigation may be more difficult.

Valle dei Vitelli

Le Buse Military Village

Trenches and Outposts from World War I

Alti Fortifications

Stelvio Military Mule Trail

Panoramic View of the Stelvio Pass

Sightings of marmots, chamois, ibex, and bearded vultures

Recommended Period

From late June to late September, when the trail is normally free of snow. Avoid the route if there is remaining snow, ice, or adverse weather conditions.

Practical Information

Type: traverse (not a loop)

Starting point: II Cantoniera – 17th hairpin bend on the SS38 Stelvio Highway

End: I Cantoniera - 29th hairpin bend on the SS38 Stelvio

Points of interest: historical, natural, and scenic

Cell phone coverage: poor or nonexistent in several sections

The route can be hiked in either direction; for less experienced hikers, it is advisable to start at the II Cantoniera and end at the I Cantoniera, taking advantage of the predominantly downhill section in the second half.

Pay special attention to the short, exposed sections prone to landslides between Le Buse and Fortini Alti.

Avoid this hike if there is remaining snow, rain, or wet ground.

GSM cell phone coverage is limited or nonexistent at various points along the route.

As this is a protected area within the Stelvio National Park, it is important to respect the wildlife, flora, and historical structures.