Monte Tonale Orientale

At an elevation of 2,696 m (8,845 ft.), and with a prominence of 59 m (194 ft.), Monte Tonale Orientale forms part of the Southern Rhaetian Alps. It is situated in the Province of South Tyrol, Italy.

The best months to visit Monte Tonale Orientale are from June to October. Hikes start from Hospiz San Bartolomeo on the Tonale Pass. An unpaved path leads all the way to Malga Valbiolo and reaches a crossroads at 2,042 m. At the crossroads, take path SAT 161s, which leads to a crossing followed by some steep, long, hairpin bends on the slopes of the mountain. The summit is not far from here, on the ridge at 2,696 m.

Monte Tonale Orientale isn't a difficult mountain to climb, but visitors are advised to wear suitable warm and waterproof clothing, trekking shoes, gloves, and a cap and stock up well with emergency supplies, a first-aid kit, ropes, a knife, and so on.

Interesting places to visit on the way are the Tonale Plant at 2,000 m, a factory that was built between 1908 and 1914, as well as the Presanella Plant. The Tonale Plant was heavily bombed in WW I but has been recently restored through a project called “Sulle tracce della Grande Guerra,” which translates as “On the trail of the Great War.”

Visitors can also visit an open-air museum exhibiting Tonale’s defenses and fortifications.