Italian Dolomites – Mountains like a fairy tale
Enter a magical world of steep limestone peaks, green alpine meadows and picturesque mountain villages. Welcome to the Italian Dolomites, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, whose unique scenery will enchant every visitor. Whether you are a fan of hiking, climbing, skiing or just admiring the beauty of nature, the Dolomites will win you over.
The Dolomites are located in northern Italy, in the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The mountain range is mainly made up of dolomite and limestone rocks, which change colour from white to pink to red during the day. This unique phenomenon, called enrosadira, creates a unique play of light and shadow on the rock massifs.
The heart of the Dolomites is the area around Passo Pordoi. Here are some of the most famous and photographed peaks – Sassolungo, Sella, Marmolada and Tofane. You can enjoy spectacular views of the mountain giants from many points, such as the Passo Sella saddle, Passo Giau or the Cinque Torri rock formation. Other icons of the Dolomites include the Drei Zinnen (Tre Cime di Lavaredo), Mount Sciliar, the Rosengarten group and the vertical walls of Civetta.
The landscape of the Dolomites is not only rugged and rocky, but also surprisingly green and diverse. Deep valleys such as Val di Fassa, Val Badia or Val Gardena invite you to stroll through flowering meadows and alpine pastures. The steep slopes are covered with dense forests, through which well-marked hiking trails lead. Spectacular views open up from the high mountain plains known as the Alps, such as the Seiser Alm or the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest mountain plateau.
The Dolomites are one of the most popular ski areas in the world. The famous resorts of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Arabba offer hundreds of kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes of all abilities at dizzying heights of over 2000 metres above sea level.
But you can discover the magic of the Dolomites all year round. In spring you will be delighted by the flowering meadows full of orchids and gentians, in summer you will find ideal conditions for hiking, ferrata, climbing or mountainbiking. In autumn, the mountains play with a palette of warm colours and attract you for walks and mushroom picking expeditions. And winter turns the Dolomites into a snowy fairy tale for skiers, ski mountaineers and snowshoe enthusiasts.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Dolomites offer cultural experiences and renowned cuisine. Charming towns such as Cortina, Ortisei, Canazei or Corvara have preserved their historic character and invite you to enjoy the cafés and local specialities. Try the delicious dumplings, spätzle, saffron soup, apple strudel or grappa. The region is home to three languages (Italian, German, Ladin) and boasts a unique cultural heritage.
The Italian Dolomites are rightfully among the most beautiful mountains in Europe and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fall in love with this beautiful landscape full of natural wonders, picturesque villages and delicious food. Whether you opt for an active holiday or a leisurely wander, the Dolomites will always captivate you and keep you dreaming for a long time. Benvenuti nelle Dolomiti!