The Dolomites: tour to discover the pale mountains

The Dolomites are a real delight for the eyes but also for the soul. The uncontaminated purity of these places is unique of its kind, so much so that you spend a whole day in the Dolomites going through the valleys, the Alpine passes and the most famous places like Val di Fassa, the Sella Group, Cortina and Lake Misurina and many others.

The tour of the Dolomites can have different itineraries that you can tackle: from excursions to trekking routes that offer you breathtaking landscapes.

On the other hand, if you want a moment of total relax there are the spa waters, enjoy them while being surrounded by peace and stunning views.

The Ampezzo Dolomites extend mostly in the Veneto region and around the area where Cortina d'Ampezzo stands, one of the tourist hubs of the entire mountain range. Formed by six mountain groups that make up the natural park of the Ampezzo Dolomites. The main group is that of the Tofane, a collection of peaks that overlook Cortina and offer different itineraries depending on the season.

In fact, in winter this area becomes a real ski area with different routes for alpine skiing, while during the summer season, the Ampezzo mountains offer you the possibility of hiking and biking or riding an horse.

Two truly fascinating places in the Dolomites that are a reason to visit are Lake Carezza and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. 

Lake Carezza, located at an altitude of 1,534 metres in Val d'Ega, is one of the jewels of the Dolomites, famous for its iridescent colours and enchanting appearance. Its clear waters reflect the peaks of the Latemar, creating a spectacular play of light that changes with the hours of the day and the seasons. The lake is relatively small, with a maximum depth of about 22 metres, but its charm lies in its harmony with the surrounding landscape.

An easily walkable path takes you around the lake, offering different perspectives on its waters and the surrounding forest environment. According to a legend, the lake was named after a nymph who lived in its waters and was wooed in vain by a sorcerer; in order to win her over, he created a rainbow which, however, once broken, fell into the lake, giving it its unique colours. In winter, the frozen, snow-covered lake becomes a fairytale setting, while in summer it is an ideal destination if you are looking for tranquillity, surrounded by nature.

If you are passionate about photography, then Lake Carezza is a dream destination, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the light transforms the landscape into a canvas of changing colours. Birdwatchers and alpine wildlife enthusiasts, on the other hand, can spot species such as golden eagles or marmots in the surrounding forest.

The Belluno Dolomites  are located in the province of Belluno, the small Venice of the mountains, they extend between the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites and the natural park of the Ampezzo Dolomites and are a veritable treasure trove full of natural beauty and culture.

Among these natural beauties I can mention numerous lakes, such as the aforementioned of Misurina or the Serrai di Sottoguda, which are a deep gorge within the mountain range and the natural reserve of Somadida, the largest forest in the area.

In addition to natural treasures, the Belluno Dolomites are a veritable well of history and culture. It is one of the populated places already several million years ago, so much so that in these areas there are many discoveries of settlements of the Iron Age and also the discovery of two of our ancestors, the man of Mondeval and of the Ursus Spaeleus , makes it a unique place to visit. While among the most recent testimonies I cannot help but mention all the castles and churches built on these places, including the Basilica of San Martino in Belluno and the castle of Andraz in Pieve di Livinallongo.

The "Tre Cime di Lavaredo" are a world icon of the Dolomites, known for their majestic and imposing shapes. Located on the border between Veneto and South Tyrol, they reach an altitude of 2,999 metres (Cima Grande) and are part of the Tre Cime Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are one of the most photographed places in the Dolomites and attract hikers, mountaineers and nature lovers from all over the world.

We recommend the "Tre Cime tour": it is one of the most spectacular and accessible treks, about 10 km long, starting from the Auronzo Refuge. The route offers breathtaking views of the Cima Piccola, Cima Grande and Cima Ovest, as well as the valley below and the nearby mountain groups. The area is home to historic mountain huts such as Rifugio Locatelli with unparalleled views. In winter, the area turns into a snowy paradise for hikers and snowshoers.

In addition to their natural beauty, the "Tre Cime di Lavaredo" have historical significance: during the First World War, they were the scene of fierce fighting, and remains of trenches and military posts can still be found. This interweaving of nature and history makes the place unique and deeply fascinating.

The area of ​​Campiglio-Pinzolo is famous, above all, during the winter season for its famous ski slopes on which you can practice all the numerous activities related to the snow like cross-country skiing but also snowboarding and sleddog.

The area is located in the Adamello Brenta natural park, and hosts one of the pearls of all the Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio, which is the quintessential winter holiday destination, also frequented by high society personalities.

In fact, fame is also historical, so much so that already Queen Sissi of Habsburg spent the winter holidays in these places, and still today, with the Hasburg carnival the happy event is recalled by tourists and inhabitants.

Such beautiful places deserve a stay that lives up to the expectations. Alpine Days Mountain Home is an awesome B&B where you'll always feel welcome and spoiled.

Among the many peaks the Val di Fassa is the most famous valley of the Dolomites and a favorite destination for those who want to undertake excursions or ski tours. Surrounded among others by the Catinaccio with the Torri del Vajolet and by the Marmolada, from here you can watch the beautiful phenomenon of enrosadira, when at sunset the peaks of the Dolomites begin to paint themselves with different colors tending to purple.

Among the many activities offered in this area, in addition to skiing in all its forms, you can also choose from numerous activities, especially in summer, such as Nordic walking, paragliding, trails on streams on slopes, barefooting activities, etc.

If you are planning to travel to the Dolomites, here are a few tips for getting there as comfortably as possible.

The Dolomites span several Italian provinces, including Trento, Bolzano and Belluno, and there is no single city that can be considered ‘the closest.’ However, Bolzano is often seen as a gateway to the Dolomites due to its proximity to locations such as Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi. Other important cities nearby include Trento and Belluno, both of which are well connected to the mountains and ideal for organising excursions or winter activities.

If you wish to ski in a resort in the Dolomites, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, you have several transport options. By plane, the nearest airports are Venice Marco Polo, Verona Villafranca and Treviso Antonio Canova. From there, you can rent a car or take organised direct buses to the ski resorts.

By train, the nearest main stations are Calalzo di Cadore (from Venice) or Dobbiaco (from Bolzano or Fortezza). From these stations, regular buses connect the ski resorts. If travelling by car, take the A27 motorway in the direction of Belluno or the A22 (Brennero-Modena) with exit at Bressanone, then follow the local signs for the Dolomites.

Bolzano, considered the gateway to the Dolomites, is easily accessible. By plane, the nearest airports are Bolzano itself (although with limited flights), Verona, Venice or Innsbruck (Austria). Frequent trains depart from Verona and Innsbruck to Bolzano.

By train, Bolzano is well connected with high-speed train lines from cities such as Verona, Milan or Rome. Once you arrive, you can rent a car or use public transport to reach other destinations in the Dolomites. For those arriving by car, the A22 motorway is the most convenient route, with well-marked exits to Bolzano and other locations in the Dolomites.

In both cases, planning your trip in advance is advisable, especially during the high season.

The best time to visit the Dolomites depends on the experience you want to have. If you have in mind a type of holiday dedicated to the outdoors and long hikes, the best time is undoubtedly summer: between June and September. The Dolomites offer ideal conditions for hiking, cycling and mountaineering, with mild temperatures and long days. Don't miss the opportunity to take unforgettable photos in these breathtaking landscapes, which include enchanted valleys, rocky towers, and deep turquoise lakes, such as Lake Braies and Lake Carezza.

If you are a skiing or snowboarding enthusiast, or simply love being in contact with the snow, you should definitely visit the Dolomites during the winter months. Winter: from December to March is in fact the perfect time for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, thanks to famous ski resorts such as the Sellaronda. 

Bear in mind that autumn also offers spectacular colours in the forests, while spring, although quieter, can be less accessible due to melting snow. So if you are wondering, the answer is: yes, any time of year is a good time to take a few days to relax in the Pale Mountains. 

The Dolomites are a real rocky shell of beauty and breathtaking views, but also of many sporting, cultural and wellness-related activities that you cannot miss if you come to Italy. What are you waiting for? Run to enjoy the beauty of the pale mountains!

And to help you preserve the memories of all the wonder of these mountains, there are the wonderful images collected in this italian/english book: Il Grande Libro delle Dolomiti.