Nuvolau moutain hut hike

The hike to the Nuvolau in the heart of the Dolomites leads past three inviting alpine cabins: the Scoiattoli moutain hut, the Averau moutain hut and the Nuvolau moutain hut. Last but not least, it leads to scenes of the first world war.

Route description Scoiattoli mountain hut and Nuvolau mountain hut

The hike to the Nuvolau starts at the bottom station of the Cinque Torri chairlift below the Falzarego pass, which takes you up easily and comfortably to the welcoming Scoiattoli mountain hut at 2,255 m above sea level.

Once at the top, follow hiking trail no. 439, which soon joins the wide trail no. 440. It winds its way against the picturesque backdrop of the surrounding mountains to the cozy Averau moutain hut at 2,413 m above sea level. At the foot of the Averau  it invites you to a stop.

But before that, it's worth climbing the nearby Nuvolau, on which the mountain hut of the same name towers boldly. To do this, walk southeast (be careful: there is no signpost at the hut) towards the ridge, which is initially grassy and later covered in stones, and climb steadily up to the Nuvolau moutain hut. Opened on August 11, 1883, it was the first mountain hut of Cortina d' Ampezzo. Close to the moutain hut you can enjoy a dreamlike view of famous summits such as the Tofane, the Civetta, the Pelmo or the snow-covered Marmolada.

The way back from Nuvolau is first on the outward route. Shortly before the Scoiattoli mountain hut, take the hiking path no. 440, which branches off to the left and is partly covered with rocks and stones, in the direction of Pian dei Menis, descending through woods and meadows. Near the pass road, at a small wooden bridge, hiking trail no. 424 with the inscription "partenza seggiovia" shows the way to the now nearby starting point.

Interesting facts about the Averau

On the summit of Averau, during the first world war, the italians built a barrack, which was used in particular for scouting enemy lines. This observation post was also equipped with a telephone and an electric searchlight. The latter was not only necessary for illumination during night attacks: by means of light signals, soldiers could also communicate with each other over long distances.

Meanwhile, on the forcella Averau, a military facility was built with dormitories, kitchen, camps and a cable car. By the way, such a facility was also found on the Nuvolau.

Hiking tip from the Scoiattoli moutain hut

During the first world war, the italian army occupied the territory of Cinque Torri, which offered an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. For this very reason, the command center of the italian artillery was established here and cannons were positioned against the austrian soldiers at Lagazuoi and the Tre Sassi fortress. In a short hike from the Scoiattoli moutain hut you can walk around the rocky spires of the Cinque Torri, experiencing history at close quarters in the "Cinque Torri museum" at lofty heights.

Infos Nuvolau moutain hut hike

• Duration:02:30 h
• Length:6.9 km
• Height gain:300 m

• Min. elevation:1878 m
• Max. elevation:2570 m