Guided Tours of Forte Busa Granda

A Great War fortress in the woods of Valsugana

The Guided Tours of Forte Busa Granda are one of the most evocative summer events in Valsugana, located in the municipality of Vignola-Falesina (Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige). Every year, between July and August, the fortress opens its galleries for a series of guided visits that allow you to discover one of the most fascinating military structures of the First World War on the plateau overlooking the lakes of Levico and Caldonazzo.

The history of the fortress

Forte Busa Granda was built in the spring of 1915 by the Austro-Hungarian Army Corps of Engineers, under the direction of Captain Emil Huetter, to replace the older Forte Colle delle Benne. In just three months, an underground armored battery was constructed at an altitude of 1,508 meters, complete with howitzers, tunnels, troop quarters, and armored installations. The fortress is part of the defensive system that guarded the Trentino front during the Great War and today stands as a precious testament to that period, included in the Trentino Forts Circuit.

The tour experience

The meeting point is in Compet, in Vignola-Falesina, where you can park near the Ristorante all'Istciot. From there, a wide uphill mule track leads to the fortress in about twenty minutes, passing through a dense pine forest populated by wooden sculptures depicting Austro-Hungarian soldiers. Along the path, you can still see the marks left by the 2018 Vaia storm. The tours are led by a mountain guide, who shares the history of the fortress and the front line.

Panorama and nature

From the top of Busa Granda, the view embraces the lakes of Levico and Caldonazzo, the surrounding valleys, and the peaks of the Lagorai: a sight that alone is worth the climb. The hike is suitable for various fitness levels and simply combines nature, scenery, and historical memory, making it perfect for families and history enthusiasts. The initiative is promoted by APT Valsugana in collaboration with the Municipality of Levico Terme and the Municipality of Vignola-Falesina.