Discover the site
With Italy’s entry into World War I in 1915, the 600 kilometre long Austro-Hungarian border became a major front. Fierce battles were fought high up in the mountains, and although they were not directly involved in the conflict, thousands of Swiss soldiers did their national service on the Umbrail Pass, more than 2500 m above sea-level. The remains of these unique alpine military camps and border fortifications, including 1.5 kilometres of trenches, are open to the public.
Activities
The site can only be visited in summer. Discover the Swiss defence lines with a specialist and visit the Museum 14/18 in Santa Maria. Take time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair.
Practical information
The border fortifications of World War I on the Umbrail pass at Stelvio, can also be visited individually.
On the Umbrail pass at Stelvio there are 3 different hiking tours on the subject of World War I defence lines (Umbrail, Scorluzzo and Trais Linguas). On the border to Italy, in front of the cabin Astras, information panels give explanations on World War I in the region. Food is provided for at the cabin Astras from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
Warm and cold food, no overnight accommodation.
Access & Contact
The bus leaves daily from the 26th of June to the 5th of September 2021 and on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from the 8th of September to the 24th of October 2021 at 9:20 am from Müstair in the direction of Stilfserjoch (Stelvio). To go back to Val Müstair, the bus leaves from Stilfserjoch (Stelvio) at 3.45 pm.
Links
www.stelvio-umbrail.ch
www.archaeologie.gr.ch
www.muestair.ch