Tragic find in Trentino: Austrian soldier discovered after 105 years!

Tragic find in Trentino: Austrian soldier discovered after 105 years!

On August 26, 2025, the remains of an Austrian soldier from the First World War were discovered during a melting process in Trentino, Italy. The site is located at 3,120 meters, more precisely at the Lares glacier in the Adamello massif. This reports the Exxpress.at.

The remains of the remains took place by the Carabinieri of the Alpine Rescue Service of Madonna di Campiglio and was carried out under the scientific supervision of the department for cultural assets of the Autonomous Province of Trento. The decline in the glacier has made it possible to vacate parts of the uniform and equipment of the soldier, which have so far been well preserved. However, the remains themselves are almost completely decayed.

Insights into the rescue work

The salvage was approved by the Trento public prosecutor before the remains were transferred to a laboratory of the monument authority in order to carry out comprehensive analyzes. This includes autopsy and historical studies that serve to determine the possible identity of the fallen soldier. Another soldier on the Lares glacier was found at an altitude of 2,935 meters two years ago.

In August 2022 there was also a mass grave with the remains of twelve k.u.K. soldiers above the tonal pass. Personal equipment such as crampons, boots and gas masks as well as three foil containers with enrollment certificates made of paper were found.

The historical environment

In the past two decades, the office for the archaeological heritage in Trentino has continuously carried out rescue work in order to collect information about the identity of fallen soldiers. Another tragic find only occurred recently when the skeleton of two soldiers were discovered under the summit of Monte Civerone in the municipality of Borgo Valsugana, which probably fell during the Austrian offensive "Criminal Expedition" in May 1916. These soldiers should also be buried in the coming weeks.

The remains of the soldiers from the Adamello massif stand not only for the painful loss that the First World War has produced, but also for the ongoing efforts to do justice to the history viewed. With the melting glacier landscape, memories of the brutal clashes are brought to light again and again, which shaped this region between 1915 and 1918 when Italian troops conquered the peaks. Numerous body parts, old ammunition and other relics from this time are often recovered by specialized units of the Italian army.

The current find is therefore only another part of a long and emotional history that is associated with the dramatic experiences in the mountain war between Italy and Austria. The archaeological department of Trentino plans to further reconstruct the identity of the soldier found in order to recognize the dignity that he is entitled to as a soldier.