• The labyrinth path (Labyrinthsteig) leads along the cliffs of the Latemar
    The labyrinth path (Labyrinthsteig) leads along the cliffs of the Latemar Photo: Afrank99, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons
  • View to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo
    View to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo Photo: Outdooractive Editors
  • In the Rosengarten
    In the Rosengarten Photo: Outdooractive Editors

Dolomites

The Dolomites are a more than 250 million year old alpine mountain range in South Tyrol. For many years now, hikers, nature lovers and families have been heading for the eastern part of Italy's northernmost province. In the midst of the so-called "pale mountains", visitors can spend an eventful and panoramic vacation in front of a magnificent mountain backdrop. The region could not be more diverse and offers its guests a wide range of leisure activities – from a visit to a castle or palace, a quiet day at one of the mountain lakes to a strenuous tour of the summit.
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Attractions in the Dolomites


Highlights

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recommended route Difficulty S1 difficult Multi-stage route
Distance 333.6 km
Duration 60:00 h
Ascent 11,000 m
Descent 11,000 m

Von Rovereto über die Altopiano dei Sette Comuni zum Monte Grappa und über den Pasubio zurück nach Rovereto. 11000hm und 300km gilt es zu bewältigen.

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from Thomas Rychly,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
recommended route Difficulty S2 difficult Stage 4
Distance 65.1 km
Duration 9:00 h
Ascent 2,000 m
Descent 2,800 m

Nach der spannenden Abfahrt auf spektakulärem Karrenweg in das Tal der Brenta beginnt die  lange Auffahrt auf den Monte Grappa. Ein direkt in die ...

from Thomas Rychly,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
Hiking trail · Alpe di Siusi
Von Kastelruth nach Seis
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 3.8 km
Duration 1:30 h
Ascent 50 m
Descent 480 m

Abwechslungsreiche Kurzwanderung durch herrlichen Bergwald mit grandiosen Blicken auf die Südtiroler Bergwelt.

from Wolfgang Schulz,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
recommended route Difficulty S2 difficult Multi-stage route
Distance 485.2 km
Duration 23:00 h
Ascent 18,797 m
Descent 20,101 m

MTB Transalp vom Brenner nach Riva in 7 Tagen. 

from Daniel Priewasser,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
Hiking trail · Alpe di Siusi
Hoch über Kastelruth
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 4.8 km
Duration 1:30 h
Ascent 50 m
Descent 450 m

Abwechslungsreiche Kurzwanderung durch herrlichen Bergwald mit grandiosen Blicken auf die Südtiroler Bergwelt.

from Wolfgang Schulz,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
Hiking trail · Alpe di Siusi
Ruine Hauenstein
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 3.7 km
Duration 1:30 h
Ascent 200 m
Descent 200 m

Abwechslungsreiche Kurzwanderung durch herrlichen Bergwald mit grandiosen Blicken auf die Südtiroler Bergwelt.

from Wolfgang Schulz,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
Hiking trail · Alpe di Siusi
Vom Panider Sattel nach Kastelruth
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 7.8 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 250 m
Descent 650 m

Abwechslungsreiche und aussichtsreiche Wanderung durch herrlichen Bergwald mit grandiosen Blicken auf die Südtiroler Bergwelt. Ein Streifzug  durch ...

from Wolfgang Schulz,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
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The Dolomites: Location and extent

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.

Tour tips: Actively experience the Dolomites Region

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!

Scenic diversity: rugged rocks and gentle mountain meadows

In the past 3000 million years the landscape of the Dolomite region has developed immensely. Volcanic eruptions, South Sea reefs as well as the enormous power of the alpine folding contributed decisively to the landscape of today. Today the mountain range consists mainly of sedimentary and limestone. While at that time numerous glaciers covered the peaks, today there is only a layer of ice on the Marmolata.

All in all, the landscape is very varied: the Sciliar and the Sella massif, for example, have a terraced or stock-like structure, while the Sassolungo, the Sesto Dolomites and the Catinaccio are more rugged massifs. The valleys, however, are mostly crossed by lush green meadows and pastures.

Summer and winter highlights in the Dolomite Region

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.

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To the Medalges Alm and Schlüter Hut by Ulrich
September 16, 2023 · Community
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Route done on September 16, 2023
Photo: Ulrich Reisecker, Community
Photo: Ulrich Reisecker, Community
Photo: Ulrich Reisecker, Community
Photo: Ulrich Reisecker, Community
Photo: Ulrich Reisecker, Community
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