
Base Tuono
Explore a preserved NATO missile base, a tangible piece of Cold War history set against stunning Trentino mountain scenery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Base Tuono
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a preserved NATO missile base, a tangible piece of Cold War history set against stunning Trentino mountain scenery.
"Amazing piece of important history, located in a beautiful environment a few km from Folgaria."

🎯 Consider a Guided Tour
A guide can unlock deeper insights and access to hidden areas.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring historical sites and potentially walking trails.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nike Hercules Missile Section
Launch Area Alpha
Explore the preserved Nike Hercules missile launch site, a tangible reminder of Cold War tensions.

Radar LOPAR Antenna
Operational Area
See the reactivated LOPAR radar antenna, a key piece of the base's defensive system.

NATO Military Base History
Museum Exhibits
Immerse yourself in the history of this NATO base, active from 1966 to 1978.

Surrounding Natural Beauty
Lago di Coe
Enjoy the picturesque landscape around Lago di Coe, perfect for a post-visit stroll.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
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Enhance Your Experience with a Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Consider a Guided Tour
A guide can unlock deeper insights and access to hidden areas.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring historical sites and potentially walking trails.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to document this unique Cold War relic.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking is available on-site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Consider a Guided Tour
A guide can unlock deeper insights and access to hidden areas.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring historical sites and potentially walking trails.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to document this unique Cold War relic.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking is available on-site.
📚 Information in Multiple Languages
English and German information is available, though tours may be Italian.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Base Tuono for its significant historical importance and its stunning natural setting. The reasonable price and the opportunity to see real military hardware are highlights, though some note the guided tours are primarily in Italian. The surrounding lake offers a pleasant addition to the visit.
"Amazing piece of important history, located in a beautiful environment a few km from Folgaria. Price is absolute valid for the visit. The base is very small but the history behind it is incredible. Don't enter alone, ask for a guide and the visit will have another taste. Believe me! Don't miss it!
And after the base, enjoy the area around the small lake. Amazing! Even if you have children.
Tip: it's better to choose a non-summer month, to enjoy the best experience here."
Matteo Danelli
"Great open Museum used to be an USA Army Base During tough times, not far from
2023 Nowadays!!! surrender by Nature with Sky slopes and Different Trails to walk. Highly recommend to visit all year long . Highest point Monte Maggio. Free parking Lot . Thank you for checking out my Reviews truly appreciated your Trust xoxo beautiful Humans 😘"
Ml avc
"Very good experience!
The place was very interesting, there were many real weapons and things from the ww2.
The base was a nato military base from 1966 to 1978. Very interesting base, I would definitely come!"
Dani ッ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Base Tuono is located near Passo Coe, a few kilometers from Folgaria. You can reach it by car, with free parking available. The drive offers scenic views of the Trentino landscape.
Public transport options to Passo Coe might be limited, especially outside of peak tourist season. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider a taxi if you are not traveling by car.
The most direct route is typically via Passo Coe from Folgaria. The roads are generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant drive through the mountains.
Base Tuono is situated a few kilometers from Folgaria, a charming mountain town. It's also close to the border with the Veneto region.
Using 'Base Tuono' or 'Passo Coe' in your GPS should direct you accurately. The site is well-signposted once you are in the vicinity of Passo Coe.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Base Tuono is generally open during specific hours, often with seasonal variations. It's recommended to check the official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times, especially for the LOPAR radar activation.
The admission price is considered very reasonable for the historical significance and experience offered.
Information on advance ticket purchase is not widely available. It's usually possible to buy tickets upon arrival at the site.
Details on specific discounts are not readily provided, but the general admission price is noted as valid.
Base Tuono is open year-round, but visiting outside of summer months is recommended for a less crowded experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To see and read everything thoroughly, plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. A guided tour can also influence the duration.
Guided tours are available, though they may primarily be in Italian. Even without joining the tour, guides might offer insights or allow glimpses into vehicles and bunkers.
You can expect to see real weapons and artifacts from the Cold War era, including the Nike Hercules missile system and operational vehicles.
Yes, Base Tuono is considered suitable for children, offering an engaging historical experience. The surrounding area with Lago di Coe is also enjoyable for families.
The LOPAR radar was a crucial part of the base's air defense system. It has been reactivated and operates during museum hours, offering a dynamic display.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted within Base Tuono, allowing visitors to capture the historical artifacts and the unique atmosphere of the former military base.
The missile launch area, the radar antenna, and the various military vehicles offer excellent photographic opportunities. The surrounding natural landscape also provides beautiful backdrops.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the site management beforehand if you plan to fly a drone for aerial photography.
Night visits or photography might be possible during special events. The 'Base Tuono in notturna' reel suggests such possibilities exist.
Visitors often capture the imposing military hardware, the stark architecture of the base, and the contrast with the surrounding alpine scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
After exploring the base, the nearby Lago di Coe provides a perfect spot for kids to run around and enjoy nature. It's a great way to balance the historical learning with outdoor fun, making for a memorable family outing.
🏛️ History Buffs & Cold War Enthusiasts
Consider dedicating ample time to absorb the information, as the site offers a comprehensive look at a critical period. The surrounding natural beauty also adds a layer of appreciation for the strategic location of such military installations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cold War Legacy of Base Tuono
Visiting Base Tuono offers a tangible connection to this tense period in history. The preserved launch sites, command vehicles, and radar equipment provide a stark reminder of the military readiness and technological advancements of the time. It's a place where visitors can reflect on the geopolitical landscape that shaped the latter half of the 20th century and the constant vigilance maintained by military forces.
The site is now a museum, allowing the public to explore its facilities and learn about its operational past. The reactivation of the LOPAR radar antenna during opening hours adds a dynamic element, showcasing the technology that was once central to the base's mission.
Exploring the Natural Surroundings
The area surrounding Base Tuono is characterized by alpine landscapes, with opportunities for hiking and enjoying the fresh mountain air. Whether you visit in the spring with blooming wildflowers, the summer with lush greenery, or the autumn with vibrant foliage, the natural beauty provides a stunning contrast to the military structures.
This combination of historical interest and natural appeal makes Base Tuono a well-rounded destination. Visitors can spend their morning delving into the past and their afternoon enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding mountains and lakes.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit