Helm

Helm is a mountain summit in the Carnic Alps reaching 2,433 meters (7,985 feet) at the border between South Tyrol in Italy and Austria. A staffed mountain hut and well-maintained hiking trails characterize the terrain around the peak.

A mountain hut was built in 1891 and later served as a military post during World War I when Austrian forces held the area. The structure fell into disrepair after the conflict but was eventually restored.

The summit cross erected in 1953 by European boy scouts marks this location's shift from a military zone into an international recreation area. Visitors experience this symbolic transformation when they reach the mountain station.

Two modern cable cars provide straightforward access from valley stations in Versciaco and Sesto, terminating at elevations around 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and bring weather-resistant clothing, as mountain conditions can change quickly.

Winter visitors find well-groomed ski slopes on the mountainsides, while summer hikers discover extensive remnants of trenches and fortifications from World War I scattered along the trails. These relics tell stories of past conflict within today's mountain landscape.