BLOG

BaitoneAlpino Suggests: Trenches of Dosso Merlo

Years of works have brought to light the "forgotten trenches" of Dosso Merlo di Navene, a hamlet of Malcesine, which were an Italian stronghold during the Great War, a second line on Lake Garda, ready to spring into action in the event of a breakthrough. In reality, this section of the front remained essentially blocked throughout the 1915-1918 conflict, subjected to artillery fire and patrol activity—a far cry from the Karst or the highlands. Just below the trenches, the concrete emplacement of a large howitzer can also be seen. The route to the trenches is a circular one, so both the start and finish are in Navene. The trail is well-marked, and thanks to the installation of explanatory panels in three languages, you can also learn about local history and wildlife. Along the way, you'll encounter various physical remains: walkways, observation points, logistical structures, artillery emplacements of various calibers, kitchens, and even the cable car station that led to the front lines. In some places, two-dimensional silhouettes have been created to evoke the original function of the structures, such as a life-size reproduction of a heliograph, a wireless telegraph that uses flashes of sunlight reflected by a mirror. The total length is 5.4 km on a dirt road, with an elevation gain of approximately 260 meters and a duration of about 2 hours. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, a hat to protect you from the sun, and plenty of water to drink, as there are no fountains along the trail. And don't forget sunscreen! The route is very easy but often exposed to the sun. Keep an eye on our website! During the season, we organize a couple of guided tours of the trenches, in collaboration with the Malcesine Alpine Group. These are a unique opportunity to explore the area with local experts.