Strada delle 52 Gallerie

The Strada delle 52 Gallerie starts near the parking lots in Bocchetta Campiglia above the Xomo pass. The modern entrance of the walk is rather striking, with a pavilion flanked by iron silhouettes of soldiers. Here, you can read a bit about the history of the Strada on information panels before walking to the official entryway, an arch commemorating the building in 1917.

Soon you will enter the first of the 52 tunnels. For the first half, the path climbs steeply up, then flattens out into a more gentle slope along the mountainside. The tunnels are all numbered, and there are occasional information panels explaining military use or showing ancient pictures of the ongoing works. Tunnel 19 is the longest (320 m), and number 20 spirals several times up through the rock. Also, there are several plaquettes along the path commemorating modern-day hikers who fell from the path to their death.

At the end of the path, after 3 to 3.5 hours hiking, the mountain hut of Achille Papa will be a welcoming place for a rest. It has a bar and terrace with views, a restaurant (open from 11:30-15:30 and 19:30-21:30), and provides simple accommodation as well.

From the mountain hut, you cross the ridge to a broad, unpaved road called Strada deli Scarubbi that is suitable for cars. It goes all the way down on the other side of the mountain. Just follow the road (where there are a lot of curves, it is often possible to use a quicker path that cuts them off), it will bring you back to the parking lot in 2 to 2.5 hours.

The trail is open for hikers from spring to autumn, when the mountain hut at the top is open. To avoid occasionally late or early snowfall, mid-June to the beginning of October generally provides the best weather and views. The summer months, July and August, attract more hikers. Due to weather conditions, the trail and mountain huts are closed in winter (November to June).

The trail is easy to follow as it has a clear beginning and end. There are no signposts other than the numbered tunnels and some information panels up to the mountain hut Achillo Papa.

The first part of the trail is not a leisurely walk. Be prepared; check the weather forecasts beforehand, wear good hiking boots because the tunnels are often wet and proper clothing in layers. A headlamp or torch is necessary for crossing tunnels. Poles might be useful. In summer, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sun protection are recommended.

Due to weather conditions and snow, avoid hiking in the winter season when the mountain huts are closed.

The Strada delle 52 Gallerie is a difficult hike. The first half of the path up to the mountain hut Achilla Papa is the most difficult part. It consists of a stony mule path, at places narrow and exposed. Therefore, the hike is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo. To hike through the often wet and curved tunnels, you’ll need a torch or headlamp.

The Strada degli Scarubbi road from the Rifugio back to the parking lot is a broad, unpaved road, accessible by cars and easy to hike.