Paternkofel, Mountain summit in Sexten Dolomites, Italy
Paternkofel is a mountain summit in the Sexten Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy, shaped by three sharp rocky ridges that rise steeply from a high alpine plateau. It sits close to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and can be approached from several directions via marked trails.
The first recorded ascent of Paternkofel took place in 1882. During World War I, this ridge became a heavily fought front line, where soldiers carved tunnels and fortifications directly into the rock.
The name Paternkofel comes from the Ladin language, reflecting the old culture of this mountain region. Hikers today can still spot trench lines and tunnel entrances along the route, making the wartime past a visible part of the experience.
The summit can be reached from the Drei-Zinnen-Huette to the north, from Paternsattel to the south, or from Buellelejoch to the east. Some sections demand steady footing and comfort with exposed terrain, so solid hiking boots and prior mountain experience are recommended.
Part of the ascent passes through restored World War I tunnels that now form a via ferrata route cut directly through the rock. Inside these passages, original stonework and carved niches are still visible, once used as resting and storage spots by soldiers.
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