An extremely interesting mountain tour for young and old! Extraordinary.
Essential equipment is a helmet and a self-protection kit.
Walking time : about three hours if you are with little hikers (up, back to the valley by gondola)
Suitable for children over five years old or as per their walking experience. Not suitable for children in a baby carrier or backpack.
Starting point : Lagazuoi parking lot next to the cable car on the Falzarego Pass (paid and free parking)
Required equipment : helmet, light and safety belt for children (due to high steps). Check the light battery as the tunnel is not lit.
Description of the route: Start at the parking lot next to the Lagazuoi cable car. Follow the wide macadam or ski slope up, later turn onto the marked path and follow the signs for the Tunnel Lagazuoi all the time. After an hour of walking, you will reach the first steel cables; be careful when crossing. Continue through the tunnel, almost to the top. The tunnel is over 1 km long, it is cold inside, and you will walk on quite steep and slippery stairs. It was built during the First World War, it was used to move military units and equipment, and it also played a key role in the tactical movements of the front at that time. After exiting the tunnel, it is a few minutes' walk to the cable car, and then about 15 minutes to the top.
Additional information : I recommend the gondola to get back to the valley. You can also go down to the valley on foot (down past the open-air museum and later along the ski slope or the path next to the ski slope). I recommend hiking poles for walking down.
I recommend going early in the morning, before the gondola starts operating, to avoid the crowds. Most people do the tour in reverse – take the cable car to the top at 9am, then go down through the tunnel. This option can also be beautiful.
This tour is definitely a highlight of the Dolomites, as it is difficult to comprehend the cruel past, but at the same time it is a reminder for all of us, the descendants. The view of Tofano, Cinque Torri, Lago di Limides and more is priceless.
You can find more ideas for family hiking tours in the Dolomites in my guide Dolomites for little mountaineers.