Hike among the First World War fortifications: Monte Corno di Nago

The Austro-Hungarian front line ran on Monte Corno di Nago during the First World War: the Perlone position, the Busa dei Capitani, numerous trenches and viewpoints bear witness to this.

The view of the lake, Monte Altissimo, and the Sarca valley, which you enjoy from the strategic points of the fortresses, should not be missed.

The excursion consists of two circular routes, the Perlone circular route and the Predabusa circular route, which can also be walked individually but are recommended by us in their entirety. In just under 4 hours and with an altitude difference of about 600 m, you go from the lightheartedness of life at Lake Garda to the silence that these places of remembrance always bring with them.

We leave the chestnut grove to the left, cross the forest road and take the path that ascends left behind the bench towards Tre Croci and Busa dei Capitani. Then we continue on a quiet forest path strewn with large boulders. The boulders come from a large prehistoric landslide. A signpost indicates the turnoff to Busa dei Capitani.

After visiting the command post, we return to the junction and take path no. 637 towards Prà delle Cronale, on a narrow path ascending to the left. We pass a military quarter (acquartieramento) and soon see the signs for the Predabusa loop. Briefly leave the Perlone loop, which you will rejoin on the return, and follow the signs toward Località Tre Croci, the border point of the municipalities Nago, Torbole, and Ronzo Chienis.

From here begins an area where many relics from the First World War can be found. Take your time to explore it by following the signs to "Deviazione gruppo trincee". Here you find the barracks of the Predabusa field command. Continue along the path and keep right to reach the eponymous artillery position. You are high up on the rock, and the lake opens up in front of you. The view of Torbole, the mouth of the Sarca river, and the Brescia mountains is truly overwhelming!

Return to the main path and take the next right turn, which leads via a wooden staircase to the Predabusa position. If you go down a staircase, you have a view of Loppio, and if you climb a metal cable, you get a second incredible view of upper Lake Garda.

We go downhill on the forest road and cross it towards the "water cisterns", past the camp kitchen whose stove is still visible. We keep left on a narrow path until we reach the trench toward Arco.

We return on the outbound path until we reach the signs "Monte Corno - Predabusa loop - RETURN". Follow these until you reach a steep wooden staircase leading back to the Perlone loop. Follow the signs "Perlone point - Nago" on a narrow path with a somewhat unstable scree bed. Stop at the Salina trench and continue to Perlone point on path no. 637. Here you will enjoy another view of the lake and mountains as well as a visit to a fortification.

Continue downhill on the field path until you reach a meadow. Follow the signs for the Perlone loop to the left and then further towards Nago. If you do not want to return on the asphalt, I recommend turning right onto a narrow path behind the sign with the loop, until you reach Via Coel behind the parking lot, which you will find at the end of the next street on the right side.