Holidays in the Dolomites: awe included
Welcome to the realm of pale mountains and legends
Anyone who has ever stood before or gone hiking in the Dolomites will immediately understand their allure (and the hype). Your holiday in the Dolomites will take you to peaks that glow in the evening sun and valleys that are beautiful, exciting, varied, and unique. The Lodenwirt is your gateway to this World Heritage site, right in the heart of the Val Pusteria/Pustertal valley. And we’ll answer the most important questions about your holiday in the Dolomites right here.
The mountains are named after the mineral dolomite, which gives them their characteristic light colour and the nickname “the pale mountains”. Here’s another fascinating fact for true Dolomites aficionados: the rock was named after French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu, who was the first to describe it scientifically at the end of the 18th century.
Their designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009 places the Dolomites and their nine mountain ranges under special protection. This means that they form part of the heritage of all humankind and will be preserved for future generations. And we all play our part in this: anyone who sticks to the paths, takes their rubbish away with them, and enjoys the natural world with respect is helping to safeguard this wonder and ensure that the mountain world will remain just as enchanting for future generations as it is for you today.
The Three Peaks and Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee feature on every Instagram hotspot list, and rightly so. But you’ll often find the best moments in less-popular places. On hot days, host Thomas is drawn to Lake Ponte di Ghiaccio/Eisbruggsee in the Fundres/Pfunders mountains, where, after a dip in the cool water, he enjoys a picnic in a quiet spot almost right on his doorstep. The Valle di Casies/Gsiesertal valley also rewards you with tranquillity and vast meadows instead of crowds.
And if you still want to see the famous hotspots, there’s a simple trick: get there early. If you set off for the Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese high plateau or Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee before the crowds arrive, you’ll be treated to a picture-postcard setting and the most beautiful morning light. You can find more tours and insider tips for your holiday in the Dolomites and at Mt Plan de Corones/Kronplatz on the page Discover Val Pusteria/Pustertal.
The highest peak is Mt Marmolada/Marmolata in Trentino, at 3,343 metres, also known as the Queen of the Dolomites. Many other peaks rise above the 3,000-metre mark, together creating an impressive panorama.
Our top 3 peaks:
1. The Three Peaks, up to 2,999 metres
The Sexten Dolomites, accessible via the Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal valley near Sexten or the Auronzo hut
There’s no more iconic photo subject anywhere. The three striking rock towers are an unmistakable landmark and a must-see for any fan of the Dolomites.
2. Mt Antelao, 3,264 metres
Above Cadore in the province of Belluno
The King of the Dolomites is every bit as impressive as the Queen, Mt Marmolada/Marmolata. On a clear day, the view from the summit stretches all the way to the Venice Lagoon.
3. Mt Sassolungo/Langkofel, 3,181 metres
Above the Val Gardena/Grödner Tal valley, near the Passo Sella/Sellajoch pass
Imposing and unmistakable, Mt Sassolungo/Langkofel towers over the Val Gardena/Grödner Tal valley, painting one of the most dramatic silhouettes in the entire region.
Yes, alongside challenging hikes, there are plenty of leisurely trails and walks around the Alpine pastures, meaning that everyone, from keen mountaineers to leisurely walkers, can find a route to suit them.
During your holiday in the Dolomites, you’ll find museums and towns to explore as well as mountains. The Messner Mountain Museum on Mt Plan de Corones/Kronplatz or a stroll through Bruneck are sure to fill even a refreshingly rainy day with exciting experiences. Or how about a relaxing day at the hotel with a few hours at the spa?
Did you know?
- The Dolomites’ spectacular alpenglow is called “Enrosadira” in Ladin, the language spoken in the Dolomites valleys. It’s at its most beautiful in the few minutes around sunrise and sunset.
- The Dolomites formed as coral reefs in a primeval sea, whose petrified remains make them one of the world’s most significant fossil treasure troves.
- The Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage covers an area of around 142,000 hectares, spread across nine mountain ranges in five provinces in northern Italy. (If you ever want to score points on a quiz show …)