Vermiglio among Fortresses, Lakes and Cross-Country Ski Trails

Vermiglio combines an alpine landscape with impressive traces of European history. Fortresses, former military installations, lakes and sporting trails showcase the different facets of the town.

Fortresses and Commemorative Culture

Forte Strino lies along the road to Tonale between the pass of the same name and Vermiglio. The fortress was built in 1860 and is part of the Trentino fortification system, which was designed by the Austrian General Staff. Today, Forte Strino houses a permanent exhibition on the “White Front” and hosts exhibitions of contemporary art every year. From 27 June to 6 September 2026, the fort is open daily from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:30. From 7 September to 20 September 2026, it is open daily from 14:00 to 18:30.

The Museo della Guerra Bianca Vermiglio organises guided tours of Forte Strino and other nearby fortresses on request. The museum also offers an immersive sound-and-light presentation about a First World War soldier writing to his mother. Città Morta is an Austro-Hungarian military settlement from the First World War; the remains of its dry-stone walls can be seen along SAT Trail 161. During the First World War, Malga Strino was a military outpost between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy due to its location.

Forte Pozzi Alti is associated with the designation “Austria-Hungary Presanella Fort”. The installation was built between 1908 and 1912 to block the road through Val di Sole. Access begins in the hamlet of Velon in Vermiglio. From there, follow a mule track and turn right after about 8 kilometres. Rifugio Denza lies at an altitude of 2,300 metres and is named after Padre Francesco Denza.

Museums, Mills and Local History

The everyday history of the surrounding area is also part of Vermiglio’s character. Mulino di Cortina was powered by the Rio Cortina until the second half of the 1950s. Rye, barley and wheat grown in the meadows of Vermiglio were milled there.

Alpine Lakes and Trails

The Laghetti di Strino are alpine lakes at the foot of Monte Redival. The Laghetti di San Leonardo offer a different landscape experience: they consist of three artificial ponds with picnic areas, a children’s playground, a snack bar and evening lighting. The easy walking route to the Laghetti di San Leonardo is 5.8 kilometres long, takes 1 hour and 35 minutes, and has an elevation gain of 80 metres.

Capitello di San Giorgio can be reached via Via dele Pendege from the hamlet of Cortina. From there, the view extends across the upper Val di Sole to the Sella del Tonale.

Cross-Country Ski Trails, Biathlon and Cycling

The Velon loop is connected to the other trails of Centro Fondo Vermiglio and allows an approximately 22-kilometre circuit without having to remove your skis when changing between trails. Centro Fondo Vermiglio also has a biathlon shooting range with twelve shooting lanes at 10 metres, as well as three 50-metre shooting ranges for training with .22-calibre rifles.

For cycling tours, the Val di Sole cycle path begins at the Laghetti di San Leonardo in Vermiglio and runs for 33 kilometres to Mostizzolo. Vermiglio can be reached via the Malè–Mezzana–Fucine–Vermiglio–Tonale bus route.

More Destinations

More places to help plan your trip: Smarano, Isera, Caldes, Romeno, Bagni Di Rabbi, Pera, Terzolas, Soraga

To the higher-level travel overview: Trentino.