Monte Kolovrat loop from Rifugio Casoni Solarie

This evocative hiking loop combines immersion in the historical events of October 1917 and, more generally, of the entire Great War with a natural environment offering incredible, literally 360°, panoramic views.

From the very first meters of the route, starting from Rifugio Casoni Solarie, the immersion begins: you immediately pass by the monument to Riccardo Giusto, the first Italian casualty of the war, a name you will often see on various historical information panels along the trail.

Next, you reach the actual combat sites, from Monte Klabuk to Monte Nagnoj. In particular, at Passo Zagradan, you can visit the open-air Kolovrat Museum on the Slovenian side of the border, which features significant reconstructions of the trenches used by the Italian lines. On the Italian side, trenches can be seen in their current state, more than a hundred years after the events that made them famous. These will accompany you along the entire path up to Monte Nagnoj. Near Passo Zagradan, the breakthrough of the third Italian defensive line by Austro-German forces began. At this stage, Lieutenant Rommel also operated, commanding a small group of men who proceeded to Livek and then set out to conquer Matajur, which took place on October 26, 1917.

From Monte Nagnoj you can choose to extend your hike by about another kilometer, thus two kilometers total including the return, to reach Monte Kuk, the westernmost summit of Kolovrat, completing the entire plateau.

There are multiple options for the return trip; here we indicate taking the former military road on the Italian side. Other options are the trail through the woods starting from Bivacco Zanuso, which will lead again to Rifugio Casoni Solarie, and finally the paved road on the Slovenian side, which is probably the worst option as it involves walking several more kilometers on asphalt.

Reference topography: Foglio Tabacco 041. Suitable mountain footwear and clothing are recommended, as well as water and food supplies.