GOV4PeaCE

The mountains of Lombardy, particularly the areas within Stelvio National Park and Adamello Park, preserve the traces of the Great War and the legacy of the conflict on the Alpine landscape. In these rugged environments, where survival amidst permanent snow and ice was once pushed to the extreme, history now re-emerges within a natural setting of extraordinary beauty.

Thanks to an initiative of the Lombardy Region (Directorate-General for Autonomy and Culture) and the coordination of ERSAF, these places of remembrance are now accessible through a network of themed, low-impact itineraries. The visitor experience is enhanced by the Beyond the Traces of History app, which brings the remains of the Italian-Austrian front back to life through storytelling and multimedia content. Sixteen routes transform hiking into a meaningful journey through history.

With a total length of 604 kilometres, the Peace Trail is a monumental route that follows the First World War front line across Trentino. The project is rooted in the vision of Walter Schaumann and his wife, who had already promoted the concept of a “Peace Trail” in the 1960s through the Carinthian Friedensweg. In 1986, engineer and historian Claudio Fabbro gave the route its definitive form, organising it into the stage-based structure that remains in use today. To follow it, simply look for the dove symbol.

Passing through trenches carved into the rock, armoured forts and the remains of military barracks, the trail offers a truly immersive journey into Europe’s shared memory. Its 12 stages cater to all types of walkers, from scenic family-friendly routes to more demanding via ferratas for experienced hikers. Every step invites visitors to reflect on the harsh mountain environment and the resilience of those who lived and fought among these peaks more than a century ago. More than just a trekking route, it is an invitation to walk through history in honour of peace.

The Veneto region preserves a dense network of Great War sites, a historical heritage that links the Alpine arc to the Venetian Lagoon. Through the Paths to Peace project, historical memory is transformed into an opportunity for meaningful cultural tourism, offering itineraries of outstanding scenic and documentary value.

The routes across the region combine nature, history and literature in an integrated and accessible visitor experience:

• The Great War High Route and the Forts Route in Cavallino Treporti.
• The museum network of the Upper Vicenza area, Montello and the lagoon routes (Gira Lagune).
• Literary itineraries following in Hemingway’s footsteps and the Mario Rigoni Stern Trail.

Promoted by the Veneto Region (Regional Law 25/2022) and scientifically coordinated by IUAV University of Venice, the project aims to connect the renowned transnational routes Friedensweg and Walk of Peace. Its objective is to provide interregional continuity to a European network whose Veneto section represents a crucial link. The route extends for approximately 600 km and is organised into georeferenced stages, carefully classified according to terrain type. It runs from Mount Pasubio across the Asiago Plateau, Monte Grappa and Montello, following the course of the River Piave to its mouth on the Adriatic Sea.A walking experience combining historical rigour with geographical appeal, ideal for those wishing to rediscover the events that shaped Europe and left their mark on the landscape.

The Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic is a long-distance cross-border hiking trail of approximately 500 km, linking the landscapes and heritage sites of the former Isonzo Front between Log pod Mangartom in Slovenia and Trieste in Italy. Divided into 30 well-marked stages, the route winds through mountain paths, valleys and the Adriatic coastline, offering itineraries suitable for experienced hikers, families and casual visitors alike. Along the trail, visitors encounter more than 300 historical and cultural heritage sites across western Slovenia and eastern Friuli Venezia Giulia, including monuments, museums, trenches, cemeteries and memorial shrines. Blending history, nature, local culture and sweeping landscapes, the route offers an experience that goes far beyond a simple hike. At the heart of the project lies a powerful message of peace, remembrance and reconciliation, inviting visitors not only to discover a landscape of exceptional value, but also to reflect on the past and the events that it still preserves today. The Walk of Peace can be explored using the official map, the hiking guide or the dedicated mobile app, which provides detailed information about the route as well as the visitor centres located along the trail.