Dolomites

In the east of South Tyrol lies the popular and worldwide known mountain range of the Dolomites, whose highest mountain, the Marmolata, measures 3342 m. Rugged mountains, green meadows and valleys as well as historic towns characterize the landscape and culture there. The Trentino-South Tyrolean Dolomites cover most of the Dolomites, a small part is also located in Veneto.

It is generally believed that the northern Italian mountain range includes the heavily forested Puster Valley, the municipality of Sesto and the Piave River to the north, the Kreuzberg saddle to the east, again the Piave River to the south and finally the Valle Isarco and Adige Valleys to the west. Since 2009, nine parts of the Dolomites – and thus a considerable area of 142,000 hectares – have been rightly and proudly included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.

• The Valle Isarco valley south of the Brenner Pass near Bolzano boasts impressive scenery as well as picturesque villages and historic towns, including Vipiteno, Bressanone or Chiusa.
• The vacation region Kronplatz captivates above all by its natural beauty. In parts of the natural parks Fanes-Sennes-Prags, Rieserferner-Ahrn and Puez-Geisler you can get an impression of this impressive landscape.
• Alta Pusteria is primarily known for its unmistakable mountain panorama of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and is considered a wonderful hiking and winter sports destination in summer and winter.
• Hikers also like to go to the Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high alpine pasture, where numerous hiking tours on the extensive alpine pastures are offered on the slopes in the immediate vicinity of the Dolomite chain.
• Fans of culture and language are especially attracted to the regions Val Gardena and Alta Badia in Val Badia. Here three cultures meet: the Ladin, the German and the Italian. Ladin is the third national language there, comprises only 30.000 native speakers and is therefore one of Europe's minority languages. In the Val Badia, the Ladin language and customs are therefore very much cultivated.

The surrounding area around the Dolomites attracts outdoor sports enthusiasts almost all year round. While the hiking season lasts from July to September, the snow-covered plains invite you to snowshoe and cross-country skiing tours or a pleasant winter walk. For all passive winter sports fans there is the Ski World Cup in Val Gardena or the Biathlon World Cup in Antholz.

Otherwise hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers and climbing enthusiasts will surely find what they are looking for. It's not unusual to be spoilt for choice with the wide range of tours on offer... The choice of via ferratas, alpine tours, alpine hikes and bike trails is really huge!

When the term "Dolomites" appears, snow-covered mountain peaks inevitably appear before the mind's eye, which take on a coppery red color from the light of the setting sun. One speaks of the classical mountain glow. A phenomenon that can often be observed at sunset on the Three Peaks of Lavaredo in Alta Pusteria, which amazes locals and visitors alike.

Also in winter the Dolomite region of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo attracts its guests, more precisely its young visitors. The smallest reindeer herd in the Alps is waiting to be cared for, fed and stroked by them. Families with children should not miss an encounter with these fluffy four-legged friends!

For all hiking fans a tour to the Marmolata is recommended. With 3342 m it is the highest mountain of the Dolomite chain and is also called the "Queen of the Dolomites". From November to May skiers enjoy unique winter sports experiences on its miles of ski slopes.