The sight of these roughly cut mountain

peaks arising above the clouds strongly

imprints on us a true feeling of the sublime.

An idea borrowed and loosely adapted from Kant’s Observations on the

feeling of the beautiful and sublime, I think the paragraph above sums up the
feeling you will get from roaming through the wild landscapes of the
Dolomites, where the dramatic imposing mountains worn down by the
elements through the millions of years into the most fantastic and sharp-cut
profiles allow us to contemplate in absolute awe our own nothingness and
irrelevance in the great scheme of life, while unveiling at its core (often
without first demanding from us a physical commitment worthy of its hidden-
treasures) some of the most beautiful sights you will ever see - from pristine
still glacial water lakes, some almost impossibly standing right over the edge
of a precipice, to beautiful highland undulating meadows that locals have
fought hard to tame by giving up of some of the comforts of modern life.

If you are up for an adventure that will amaze you with an almost other-worldly
scenery, with some of the best views of raw-Nature you will ever see, with
some of the densest feelings of smallness before the greatness surrounding
you that you might come to experience - the Dolomites are the place for you.

Make no mistake, to enjoy the best the Dolomites have to offer you will have
to put your heart, soul and strengths into it - and there is absolutely no shame
in not having the physical fitness to go all places. But if you can, you will feel
completely rewarded, and there is nothing best to bring back home than the
memories of these sublime landscapes, of the incredible sunsets seen from
up above, and of the still and dormant giants standing there indifferent to all
of us.

2
3
 WHAT TO EXPECT
FROM THIS GUIDE

On this guide I tell you about my 7-days trip to the Dolomites in late summertime, a trip that I had been
longing so much to do for the incredible landscapes, dreamy glacial lakes, and beautiful relaxing hotel-
stays. This is a type of trip that is physically more demanding, so I made sure to keep it manageable for
our bodies, giving thus also more time to fully enjoy and take in all the beauty these region has to show.
As usual, on this guide I share with you:

— my daily activities and visits, from the morning to the end of day;

— how to get to the most beautiful lakes, mountain views, and picture spots, along with practical info
that will make your trip more seamless and without surprises;

— my tips of restaurants and beautiful accommodation, both the ones that make your itinerary more
practical, as well as those to fully relax after a few strenuous days with the best views and service.

5
 WHAT TO EXPECT
FROM THIS GUIDE

There are so many beautiful places to visit in the Dolomites, so many fantastic trails through the woods
and the mountains that are worth hiking - but I designed this plan, after extensive review of the
different trails, lakes and landscapes, so it could be a trip where the effort required is largely
compensated by the beauty and the time you will have to enjoy it, and to avoid jamming in too many
trails that would just make you feel fully worn down and not able to enjoy the beautiful sights. I hope this
helps saving you hours, perhaps days, of sourcing for ideas in many different websites and social
media accounts.

My easy to read map will help you understand the geography of the region, the links provided to the My
Maps will give you all the information about each of the recommended trails and other points of
interest, the links to my social media videos will help you visualize what to expect on each day and in
the different places visited, and the location pins on the different photos will take you straight to the
exact places where you can see the exact same views I am showing!

I want to make for you what I wish I could have found myself, so I am happy that you are joining me on
this beautiful trip!

5
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT TO EXPECT 4

FAQ 7

ITINERARY SUMMARY 13

MAP OF THE DOLOMITES 16

DAY 1 - CALM LAKES & DRAMATIC TOWERS 17

DAY 2 - TURQUOISE WATERS & GOLDEN MOUNTAINS 28

DAY 3 - EMERALD WATERS & GREEN VALLEYS 36

DAY 4 - THE ROLLING HILLS OF HEAVEN 53

DAY 5 - AS IF THE HEART ENDS HERE 65

DAY 6 - TOURING LAKES 73

DAY 7 - RECHARGING & RECONNECTING 82

SUGGESTIONS 86

ACCOMMODATION 87
RESTAURANTS 89

6
 FAQ

01 WHAT'S THE BEST TIME TO

TRAVEL?
This is an important topic, as the Dolomites has 2 very different profiles during
the year - a winter-sports destination and a summertime, Nature exploration
destination. This trip was, of course, a Nature exploration trip, and while I did it
in early September, this is can be done anywhere from mid-May to mid-
November. June through September will be the best months, when the
landscape is greener, and you will surely not get any snow-blocked roads or
trails. From mid-June to late-October that is when all cable cars are in
Summer operation, and you will need them for accessing a couple places. In
late August and September is also when the lakes will have more water,
having thus larger surface areas.
October and November can also be good times if you are looking for a quieter
experience (during summertime there will be a few crowds in some trails,
although nothing too serious) and for a beautiful golden look of the landscape.
However, a few attractions or roads might be closed off if there is earlier
snowfall in November. In higher altitudes, May can also still have roads with
snow.

02 WHERE WERE YOU BASED?

While the distances in the Dolomites (especially around the area where
most beautiful attractions are) are not especially large (for example, from
Alpe di Siusi to Cortina d’Ampezzo it’s 90km / 55 mi by road), the fact that
you will be driving through mountains, valleys and passes oftentimes
makes it time consuming to go from one place to another (the above
mentioned trip takes upwards of 2 hours by car). For this reason, I think it
is

7
 FAQ

is wise to split the Dolomites into at least 2 major areas, that are
separated by Val Badia: east of Val Badia, around Cortina d’Ampezzo; and
west of Val Badia, along the axis Val di Funes - Val Gardena - Alpe di Sisui.
As such, I personally stayed for the first 3 nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo,
the next 3 in Alpe di Siusi, and then I chose to have another couple nights
in the area of Pinzolo for a more relaxing last part of the trip.

03 ARE THE DOLOMITES A

GOOD CHOICE FOR
EVERYONE?
The Dolomites are, of course, a destination to explore Nature, but also a
destination that is perfect for a slow paced trip, at whatever pace is
comfortable to you, and a destination where you can deeply connect with
yourself.
While many places are easily accessible, there are others also that require
more demanding trails. They are not absolutely mandatory, and if you do not
think you are fit for a certain hike, put your comfort and safety first!
That being said, I do think most people can do most trails if they can hear their
own body. In all the trails, even the more demanding, I have seen people from
all ages, from 4 year old kids walking along with their parents to older couples
well into their seventies. Of course, their pace would be adapted. However, I
felt that the vast majority of the hikers were completely understanding of
everyone else’s limitations, and were thus very patient in going behind and
avoiding putting pressure or making more risky overtakes.
My own take to the planning, and also because I wanted to have an enjoyable
trip throughout the full week, was to plan for a longer / more demanding hike
in each day, complemented then with other easier activities and sight-
seeings. There were a couple other places that I would have liked to visit, but
it

8
 FAQ

it would require that I had to make 2 very demanding hikes on a single day,
and I decided to not go that way.

04 WHAT TO PACK TO THE

DOLOMITES?
If you are used to hiking, you will definitely know what to pack, and will have
your own packing list already. If not, there are a few essentials, but it is not a
long list of items - do pack good hiking shoes / boots; a few comfortable and
light sets of hiking equipment (I prefer those that fully cover my legs to avoid
getting scratched on vegetation or rocks); at least 1 set of waterproof hiking
trousers and a waterproof light jacket, in case you get bad weather; a good
and comfortable backpack (water bottle side straps / pockets are handy);
hiking canes can come handy if you have less balance and for steeper, loose
rock soil trails; not mandatory, but a thermos could be good too.

05 SHOULD I RENT A CAR?

I think the best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. This way, you will
have much more freedom going from one place to another. There is generally
good bus connections between the major interest points, but they tend to
take twice the time, and there are time schedule limitations (i.e., you might
have to miss a good sunset to be able to get back on the bus).
Renting a car is relatively unexpensive, and the costs there are also relatively
low - while you go up and down, the travel distances are not too long, so you
do not spend that much fuel; parks are abundant, and usually relatively
unexpensive too. The roads are in good conditions, and as long as you go
between May and November, you should not have to worry with snow and
snow-chains

9
 FAQ

snow-chains. The only thing you should be careful with are wild animals
(deer, foxes, etc.) that might cross your way, so keep a good eye on the
road and the immediate surrounding areas.
Another way many people do the Dolomites is on a campervan. While a bit
less comfortable in terms of sleeping, it has a couple advantages, like
losing less time on travel to and from the hotel, or being able to just park
on a campervan authorized parking and watch the sunset, and not have to
worry about driving back, and then waking up at sunrise right at the best
spot. In almost all locations, there are parks where campervans can park,
but not always and sometimes not the closest to the lakes or views.

06 HOW WAS PARKING?

Generally abundant and relatively unexpensive. To get to some places, you
might have to park in a specific designated area, or to others (like Tre Cime di
Lavaredo or Lago di Braies) you actually pay an access fee.

07 WHERE SHOULD I FLY TO?

The airport in Bolzano is the one that is closest to the Dolomites (in the
Dolomites region, actually) but it is a smaller airport with not many
connections. The Venice airport would stay around 2 hours driving from
Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Innsbruck is 1h30 away from Val Gardena. However,
larger airports with more international connections, like Milan or Bergamo, are
around 2h30 - 3h00 from the heart of the Dolomites, the same goes for
Munich. There are plenty of choices of different airports around the area and
in different countries, and there is no one that really is clearly a winner across
the board.

10
 FAQ

08 WHAT LANGUAGE IS
SPOKEN IN THE
DOLOMITES?
The Dolomites is a region within Italy, but there is a large portion of it that is
German speaking. There is also another language that is local from the
Dolomites, which is the Ladin. When roaming the Dolomites, you will find
areas that mostly use Italian, others that mostly use German, and whenever
there is a higher predominance of Ladin, they will also have German and or
Italian. This is true for road signs, maps, practical information, stores, etc.
Most people there will speak both Italian and German, and a good portion of
them, especially if they work in hotels, restaurants or other tourism-related
businesses, will also speak good English.
On my guide, just because I am more familiarized with Italian, I write most of
the names of the places / mountains / lakes in Italian - however, as you might
come across these names also (especially) in German, I try to present both
versions on the titles of each page.

09 COSTS OF TRAVELING
Excluding the flight costs (which depend on where you are coming from), our
total costs for this trip in early September amounted to around 600€ per day.

It is important to note that I stayed in a couple places that have beautiful

Spas, and the accommodation costs reflect these amenities. Additionally, we
had a few special and more curated meals. While I understand that not
everyone values these experiences the same way, I highly suggest planning
at least a more relaxing stay.

11
 FAQ

By category, and on a per day basis, and for 2 people:

— Stays: 350-450 € / day

— Car rental: 40 € / day (for the whole trip, full insurance included)
— Fuel, parking & tolls: 50 € / day
— Food & drinks: 75 € / day
— Tickets & Activities: 25 € / day

12
ITINERARY
 ITINERARY SUMMARY

LAGO DI DOBBIACO | TOBLACHER SEE

DAY 1 LAGO DI MISURINA
TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO | DREI ZINNEN
VIEWS TO CADINI DI MISURINA
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

LAGO DI SORAPIS | SORAPISSEE

DAY 2 PASSO GIAU
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

LAGO DI BRAIES | PRAGSER WILDSEE

DAY 3 LUNCH AT THE ALPINN
PASSO DELLE ERBE | WÜRZJOCH
CINEMA DELLE ODLE
VAL DI FUNES | VILLNÖSSTAL
SUNSET AT ALPE DI SIUSI | SEISER ALM

RELAXATION & MORNING WALK IN ALPE DI SIUSI

DAY 4 HORSE CARRIAGE RIDE ACROSS ALPE DI SIUSI
EXPLORING THE ALPE DI SIUSI BY BIKE
DINNER WITH VIEWS AT ALPE DI SIUSI

13
 ITINERARY SUMMARY

SECEDA
DAY 5 LUNCH WITH VIEWS AT SECEDA
PASSO GARDENA | GRÖDNER JOCH
DINNER AT ALPE DI SIUSI

LAGO DI CAREZZA | KARERSEE

DAY 6 LAGO DI TOVEL | TOVELSEE
LAGO NERO
DINNER AT GRUAL BY LEFAY DOLOMITI

RELAXATION DAY AT LEFAY RESORT & SPA

DAY 7

14
T A P F O R T H E G O O G L E M A P S
 DAY ONE

CALM LAKES
& DRAMATIC
TOWERS

VIDEO ITINERARY
TAP TO PLAY
DAY ONE MORNING

LAGO DI DOBBIACO
TOBLACHER SEE

We started our first day in the Dolomites with a very nice and easy walk around Lago di Dobbiaco, just a
30 mins drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo, where we stayed for the first leg of our trip. It is very easily
accessible, right by the street, and it is a place where you will see many families with children, as it is very
easy to walk around the lake.

The hike is mostly flat all the way around and it always has beautiful views to the lake and the hills around
it. Being a shallow lake, especially around the margins, it beautifully reflects the green shades of the hills
in an emerald tone when the sun rays penetrate to the bottom! On the south-margin you will find the
stream that feeds into the lake, winding through the woods with its beautiful glacial-blue-toned waters.

While you cannot take your own boat / kayak, there are boats and pedalos for rental at the north-end of
the lake, by the restaurant near the lake, and that makes for a very nice activity!

18
19
DAY ONE MORNING

LAGO DI MISURINA

Afterwards, we headed south, in through the mountains, to Lago di Misurina, another very accessible
lake, right by the road, and with its characteristic grand-alpine buildings housing hotels and alpine
treatment centres. From Lago di Misurina you can also view the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to the north.

Another easy walk around the lake, also mostly flat, with waters reflecting the hills around, we took the
opportunity to sit for a while, relax, breath the renowned fresh air of the Misurina area, and had a picnic
by the lake for lunch.

Here also you can rent a pedalo or row boat and have a fun time relaxing and exploring the lake from a
different perspective!

16
DAY ONE AFTERNOON

TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO

DREI ZINNEN

Then came the big activity for day one - exploring the grand Tre Cime di Lavaredo. As you can drive
most all the way up, getting there is not particularly difficult. However, the best views to the three peaks
are seen from its north side, in particular by the Rifugio A. Locatelli.

These three peaks are probably one of the most emblematic views of the Dolomites, and
perfectly represent the sharp, rough and vertical mountain-sides and cliffs that so distinctively
define the landscape of this region.

The fact that they stand together alone make it even more of a spectacular sight. While getting
closer to Rifugio A. Locatelli takes some effort, the views from there, from the stone plateau in
front, or from the caves behind make for some of the most beautiful photos in the Dolomites!

21
22
 PRATICAL INFO
HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to the Tre Cime is an easy task, as you can drive your car all the way up to just by the Rifugio
Auronzo. To get there, you will have to pay the parking toll before the start of the ascent at the booth, and
it is 30€ per car and you can stay until midnight. You can also get up by bus.

Even if you do not feel fit for strenuous hikes, you can still see the Tre Cime from different perspectives
and explore the area. From the parking area at the top by Rifugio Auronzo, you can follow route 101, a
wide dirt path that runs along the south side of the peaks, mostly a flat hike, all the way to Rifugio
Lavaredo, and past Capella degli Alpini, a hike that is filled with history from World War 1 alpine battles.

23
 PRATICAL INFO
HOW TO GET THERE

From Rifugio Lavaredo is when the hike starts getting more difficult, climbing to Forcella Lavaredo, and
then going down again towards Rifugio A. Locatelli. If you still have energy (save some for the way back),
you should climb to the caves behind the Rifugio, with beautiful views to the Tre Cime.

The light here in the late afternoon is very beautiful, softening the peaks against the entire landscape
around, and casting their long shadows towards the horizon in the east.

Getting back can be done through the same path you came, or else you can take trail 105 around the
north side of the peaks back to Rifugio Auronzo.

Check the My Maps section dedicated to the Tre Cime for the routes.

17
DAY ONE AFTERNOON

VIEWS TO
CADINI DI MISURINA

Before heading back to Cortina, we made sure to save some time to visit one of the photo / video spots
that makes for probably the most incredible and impressive footage in the Dolomites - a little pathway
finishing at a small soft peak with views to Cadini di Misurina and the Auronzo valley to the south.

The views at sunset (or sunrise, although early morning takes more will) are definitely the best, but it is
likely that there will be other people looking for the famous video and photo at that time too. Make sure
to arrive some 30-45 mins before the sunset time, just to make sure you can get your turn with the
smooth sunset golden light reflecting off the white peaks.

Getting there is easy - from Rifugio Auronzo, head south along the beaten path, across a valley, up the
hillside, then down to the viewpoint. Check My Maps for the exact path.

25
26
DAY ONE EVENING

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

We arrived already in Cortina past nightfall. As we There are a few nice hotels to choose from in
were a bit tired from the Tre Cime adventure, we Cortina d’Ampezzo, a town that is very high in
walked around the picturesque and flowery demand during the wintertime, being one of the
pedestrian city centre looking for a restaurant to most renowned ski-resorts in the Alps. This way,
have dinner - we ended up sitting at Ristorante there is a wide hotel offer for all tastes, such as
Pizzeria 5 Torri, a restaurant with a relaxed the traditional alpine Luxury Cortina Hotel, or the
atmosphere and very nice pizzas and great more modern and minimalistic Hotel de Len.
attentive service!

27
 DAY TWO

TURQUOISE
WATERS & GOLDEN
MOUNTAINS

VIDEO ITINERARY
TAP TO PLAY
DAY TWO MORNING

LAGO DI SORAPIS
SORAPISSEE

Our second day started with a hike to one of the the views getting there are absolutely fantastic.
most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites - Lago di As you arrive, you are welcomed by the
Sorapis. Secluded in the embrace of the glacier- unforgettable sight of the contrasting still and
cut Circo del Sorapiss, this beautiful vivid- smooth turquoise waters against the white, sharp
turquoise waters lake is one you cannot miss. The limestone peaks around, with the striking
hike there takes close to 2 hours, and the trail standalone sharp peak Dito di Dio at the centre!
meanders through open meadows, dense forests, After admiring the landscape and taking beautiful
and past several viewpoints offering panoramic pictures of the lake, we sat down on the margins
vistas of the surrounding peaks. The final stretch of the lake to rest, admire the views, and have a
of the hike involves navigating a narrow and picnic, before heading back.
somewhat exposed path on the cliffside. But even
the

29
S T A N D I N G A T T H E F A M O U S R O C K O N T H E L A K E
 PRATICAL INFO
HOW TO GET THERE

I suggest going early in the morning on this hike for

a few reasons:
1) It takes around 2 hours to get to the lake, and the
second half is the more demanding, so avoid the
hardest part at peak heat hours;
2) while long and demanding, it is still a hike that
many people do, and the parking by the start of the
trail is scarce, so getting there early will avoid you a
“pre-hike” just from your parking spot to the trail
start;
3) I advise against starting in the afternoon, to avoid
the risk of coming back at darker hours, as you
must account for the 1h30 to 2h00 return.

The trail is well marked, but there are 2 different

ways there, both starting at Passo Tre Croci. I did
(and suggest) going there and back on Path 215,
that starts a bit below the hotel, by a wide open
meadow. The first hour of the hike is easy, with a
very gentle slope. From there, you will have
sections with deeper climbs, sometimes on bare
rock, and even bits with metal stairs put in. Path 216
is an option too, especially if you want to do a
circular hike, but it climbs much higher, and it is a
difficult hike.

CHECK MY MAPS FOR THE HIKE TO

LAGO DI SORAPIS.

31
DAY TWO AFTERNOON

PASSO GIAU

After the tiresome Lago di Sorapis hike, we made meadows and dramatic rock formations, making it
our way, already late afternoon, to Passo Giau. We a prime location for photography. Besides the
got there as the sun started to get lower on the views from the top, the drive there is also a
sky, and the landscape got flooded with a smooth highlight, with the road winding its way through
light and longer shadows were cast on the hill the rugged terrain and providing ever-expanding
sides. vistas that reveal the sheer grandeur of peaks and
Passo Giau is celebrated for its sweeping this beautiful alpine landscape.
panoramic views of jagged peaks, rolling
meadows

32
33
34
DAY TWO EVENING

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

The day ended back again in Cortina d’Ampezzo. While we arrived before sunset, the mountains already
cast their shadow upon the city.

Tired as we were, we just leisurely walked about its cobbled streets, admiring the alpine architecture of
the buildings with the abundant flowery wooden balconies, the characteristic roof overhangs, and the
white or pastel toned painted façades.

On the streets, the restaurant terraces were set out, people already having dinner (important to note that
many restaurants here close by 9 pm), so we looked for a nice restaurant ourselves, and sat down at Ra
Stua for a homey, hearty and traditional Dolomites meal.

22
 DAY THREE

EMERALD
WATERS & GREEN
VALLEYS

VIDEO ITINERARY
TAP TO PLAY
DAY THREE MORNING

LAGO DI BRAIES
PRAGSER WILDSEE

Our third day started at Lago di Braies - a stunning alpine lake renowned for its clear emerald waters,
which reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a postcard-perfect scene that lures nature enthusiasts,
hikers, and photographers from around the world.

Explore the pristine waters of the lake by renting a rowboat - early in the morning you will have less
people on the lake and more turquoise tones, but if you wait for the late morning the sun light will hit the
waters and make them glow in a beautiful emerald tone.

I also suggest hiking along (or around) the lake margins, an easy stroll with fantastic views. Right by the
lake you have the Emma’s Bistro and the Lago di Braies Hotel restaurant where you can enjoy a slow-
paced lunch with the most amazing views!

37
 PRATICAL INFO
HOW TO GET THERE

You can get to Lago di Braies by car, by bus, or by hiking / cycling.

The 442 bus shuttle runs from Dobbiaco almost every 30 mins, and it takes 30 mins to get to the lake.
The tickets are bought on the bus.

From July to mid-September, car access is limited, and you will need to buy the tickets online to get
there and park. Outside that period, you do not need to book, but parking is still paid on spot. Still, during
June and September there is a lot of demand, so if you do not go early (before 9 a.m.) there is a good
chance you will wait in line for a parking spot. On our way back, the line of cars was over 1 mile / 2km long
and slowly moving.

For the row boat, the tickets can only be bought on site. You can choose a private boat experience (50€
for 45mins) or a shared boat. While they usually accept card payment, it is best to also bring cash with
you. Boat rental is available from mid-May to early-November. The earlier in the day you get, the least
likely you will stand in line.

17 37
39
DAY THREE AFTERNOON

ALPINN

For lunch, we went to the Alpinn restaurant in the Kronplatz. This is a modern restaurant and it is the
one with arguably the best views where we have eaten. It is built right off the top of the mountain,
hanging above the mountainside, with expansive, almost 360º views, of all the landscape around!

The food was also very good, a refined and modern version of the traditional cuisine and made with fully
local and seasonal ingredients.

You should book a table in advance, especially if you want to sit by the window. To get there, you drive
to Riopratino and take the cablecar to the top of the Kronplatz.
DAY THREE AFTERNOON

PASSO DELLE ERBE

WÜRZJOCH
After lunch, our destination was Val di Funes. Instead of taking the highway there, we decided to go
through the mountains and pass by Passo delle Erbe. Up there, you will be greeted with the most
picturesque landscape, with wide open meadows waving downhill, small wooden huts scattered on
either side of the road, overlooking the imposing Sass de Putia that watches over this incredible
landscape.

From Passo delle Erbe, you can choose to take a hike around the foothills of Sass de Putia, a 3-hours
hike, or just go straight to Göma Joch along the north stretch of the hike, another beautiful alpine pass
landscape. We skipped this hike, as we chose to do the trail to Cinema dell’Odle, but if you have more
time, this is a hike worth doing!

Driving down from Passo delle Erbe and when approaching Val di Funes, you will have beautiful views of
this fantastic valley, with the picturesque little towns down there and the back of the Seceda ridge line
afar.
DAY THREE AFTERNOON

CINEMA DELLE ODLE

Cinema delle Odle is this amphitheatre-like (from where it gets its name) terrace for the Rifugio Odle,
with spectacular views to the grand Odle mountain group, with its highest peaks Furchetta and Sass
Rigais to the left, and the famous Seceda ridge line to the right.

Sitting there and admiring the views, with the Rifugio Odle and the Malga Casnago quietly standing by
the edge of the forest, and the cows languidly grazing in the small meadow, and as a sound track for this
beautiful barely moving-picture only the unceasing tolling of the cow bells. Is there anything that feels
more alpine than this?

42
 PRATICAL INFO
HOW TO GET THERE

Before exploring Val di Funes, we decided to first

go to the picture-famous Cinema delle Odle. The
trail to get there is known as Adolf Munkel trail, and
you can either do the whole round path (around 3h),
or just go straight to the Cinema delle Odle (about
1h each way).

To get there, you park at Malga Zannes (it costs 8

euros to access, bring coins), and from there you
can take path 36 for the fastest route to Cinema
delle Odle or path 6 and then 35. Then you can
return through either.

We have gone along path 36, and on the way there

we diverted to the wider dirt road, and on the way
back we came through the path that goes past
Dusler Alm. Check My Maps with the complete trail
info. You can also get to the Cinema delle Odle by
bike from the Malga Zannes parking, and up there
there is even a charging station for e-bikes.

CHECK MY MAPS FOR THE HIKE TO

CINEMA DELLE ODLE.

43
T H E V I E W S F R O M C I N E M A D E L L E O D L E
DAY THREE AFTERNOON

VAL DI FUNES
VILLNÖSSTAL

As the sun sank to the west, we still had some highlights some of its most notorious landmarks -
time to explore Val di Funes - probably the most the Santa Magdalena church and the Chiesetta di
recognizable valley in the Dolomites, with its San Giovanni in Ranui.
rolling green meadows and patches of forest While the former can be freely visited (just park at
flowing towards the quaint alpine villages that run the bottom and walk up for 20 mins), the latter is
along the bottom of the valley to the Odle built within a private property. You can
mountains in the east. photograph it from the viewpoint especially
As it is almost perfectly east to west oriented, the designated by the owners, or else go up close by
late afternoon light perfectly floods the valley and paying a 4€ ticket (bring coins).
the

45
46
47
V A L D I F U N E S W I T H T H E O D L E G R O U P A F A R
DAY THREE EVENING

ALPE DI SIUSI
SEISER ALM

To end the day, we made our way to Alpe di Siusi - get you a pass to drive up at any time of the day.
our base for the second part of our stay in the Otherwise, you can only drive there either before
Dolomites. 9 a.m. (as long as there is still parking available) or
Driving up from Castelrotto to this absolute past 5 p.m. Within that period, if you are not
dreamy plateau in the late afternoon is also a staying up there, you can take the cable car
wonderful experience in itself. The views are (check all info) or the bus.
always beautiful as you leave the small villages During the off-season (for most of November and
behind and below, and head up with the Sciliar on from mid-April to mid-May) the cable car is off and
your right always watching as you climb. you can drive your car there any time of the day.
If you are sleeping at Alpe di Siusi, your hotel will
get

49
 CHECKING-IN

COMO ALPINA

ALPE DI SIUSI
TAP TO PLAY
CHECKING-IN COMO ALPINA

The best way to explore the Alpe di Siusi is just being there, all the way from sunrise to sunset! And there
is no better place than the Como Alpina - with perfect views to the Sciliar to the west and the
Sassolungo and Sassopiatto to the east. Waking up and getting right away a cup of tea and breakfast on
your room’s balcony with panoramic views to the entire Alpe di Siusi is like waking up into another
dream!

The Spa and heated pools are the perfect morning escape for a couple of relaxation hours before
heading out and exploring the incredible surrounding landscapes, or for a mid-afternoon massage or
relaxation treatment just in time of the late afternoon show Nature puts on when the smooth sunlight
turns the white limestone peaks into golden giants.

With its flawless architecture and décor that celebrates the limestone and wooden elements that so
distinctively characterise the Dolomites, you will feel as though you are part of the landscape itself, part
of the very natural beauty of the Alpe di Siusi!
52
 DAY FOUR

THE ROLLING
HILLS OF HEAVEN

VIDEO ITINERARY
TAP TO PLAY
DAY FOUR MORNING

RELAXATION &
MORNING WALK

We decided to make the most of our morning at a Afterwards, we set out for a couple of hours
gentle pace. After having breakfast, we took leisurely walking about the largest high-altitude
advantage of the fact that we woke up already in Alpine meadow in Europe. The green landscape,
Alpe di Siusi and did not have to lose time in surrounded by rough peaks afar, and dotted with
transportation, so - first things first - we had a smaller and larger wooden huts, the roads
couple of hours relaxing in the heated swimming winding up and down the hills, is as perfect as you
pool of the Como Alpina, just to recover from the 3 can imagine, and the wonder and serenity you feel
days, each with intensive hikes, we had had thus when wandering through this unspoiled
far, while we let the whole beauty of the landscape dreamland is an experience you will not forget!
sink in and indelibly settle on our memory!

54
DAY FOUR AFTERNOON

HORSE CARRIAGE RIDE

After a light lunch with views back at Como Alpina, the team arranged a horse carriage ride in the Alpe di
Siusi that took us beyond where we had been in the morning.

On this 1-hour ride, we were taken up to see some of the best panoramic views from 2000 m of altitude,
and then along almost hidden paths through the woods, getting glimpses of the vibrant meadows, the
sun-rays coming through the canopies of the trees, and feeling the crisp alpine air gently blowing on our
faces.

If you have the chance, this is a very pleasant and slow-paced way of getting to know the Alpe di Siusi by
the hands of those who know it better!

40
39
56
DAY FOUR AFTERNOON

BIKE RIDE

Later in the afternoon, we decided to cover even more ground by going on a bike ride across the Alpe di
Siusi. We got our e-bikes from Como Alpina, but there are a few other places at the centre of
Compatsch that rent e-bikes (such as Alpin Sports or Sport Hans). Getting an e-bike will be both easier
and allow you to move faster through the vast meadows, but it is also mostly easy to do on a normal bike.

We rode our bikes all the way to the northeast end of the Alpe di Siusi - we stopped for beautiful pictures
at the famous views of the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto afar with the small wooden huts scattered
across the hills rolling down; we went all the way to the views of Val Gardena down below and the
Seceda across it; we saw the whole Alpe di Siusi from high above as the sun started to set; and we rode
back to Como Alpina towards the setting golden Sun, one of the most fantastic sunsets I have ever
experienced!
60
T H E V I E W S T O V A L G A R D E N A D O W N B E L O W
T H E A L P E D I S I U S I A S T H E S U N S E T S
DAY FOUR EVENING

DINNER WITH VIEWS

We got back to Como Alpina just in time for a cocktail and a pizza dinner with the sky dressed up in pale
pink hues that seemed to irradiate from the majestic Sassolungo and Sassopiatto far in the east of the
plateau.

This dinner at Alpina Chalet, where you can book a table even if you are not staying there, was one of the
most memorable meals we had - sitting there by the firepit, the delicious cocktail and pizzas made with
fresh beautiful ingredients, and the views of the Alpe di Siusi transforming in the dimming light made for
a perfect evening time for a day full of exploration!
 DAY FIVE

AS IF THE
EARTH ENDS HERE

VIDEO ITINERARY
TAP TO PLAY
DAY FIVE MORNING

SECEDA

One of the highlights of our trip is the out-of-this-world landscape of Seceda! You have surely seen the
impressive videos of the vertiginous and dramatic slanted ridge line, and it is all the more impressive
when seen in person!

The best way to get to Seceda is by taking the cable car from Ortisei (39.50 € round-trip), and in the
Summer season it only runs all the way up between mid-june to early-november, and from 8.30 am to
5.30 pm. You can also get there from Santa Cristina, but you will get to Col Raiser, still a long way and
climb to the Seceda ridge.

Coming from Ortisei, the walk up to the ridge after arriving is very easy. There are many photo spots of
the ridge, some closer, some more distant. Bear in mind that most of the area of Seceda is privately
owned and fenced to avoid damages to the pasture, so it is important to be respectful of the farmers
land and stay on the paths.

66
67
T H E V I E W S A L L T H E W A Y T O V A L G A R D E N A
DAY FIVE AFTERNOON

LUNCH WITH A VIEW

After a morning of pictures, hiking and exploring this fantastic landscape we sat down for lunch with
views to the meadows below and the Alpe di Siusi in the distance at the incredible terrace of the Baita
Sofie Hütte. We also passed by Baita Troier Hütte, which also had marvellous views of the landscape.

While we were there having lunch, the sky was dotted with people admiring the landscape from the air,
so if you are a more adventurous person do consider a paragliding tour above taking off just by the
Seceda with Gardenafly or Fly2.

69
DAY FIVE AFTERNOON

PASSO GARDENA
GRÖDNER JOCH

After exploring Seceda for another couple of From up there, you will get views to Val Gardena
hours after lunch, we came back down on the to the west, illuminated by the late afternoon sun,
cablecar and then drove up to the beautiful Passo and Val Badia to the east, starting to get sunken in
Gardena. the shadows. Park by Rifugio Frara and climb the
Once you start going up the winding road right dirt path west of this rifugio along the north side of
after Selva di Val Gardena, the views start being the Sella group for beautiful views! On our way
incredible, with the majestic Sassolungo watching back down to Val di Gardena (as we were heading
over as you climb. back to Alpe di Siusi), we stopped for a late
Progressively, as you gain altitude, the landscape afternoon drink on the terrace of Hotel Chalet
opens all around, unveiling the Odle group to the Gerard, with fantastic sunset views.
north and the Sella group to the south.

70
DAY FIVE EVENING

DINNER AT ALPE DI SIUSI

For our final evening at Alpe di Siusi, we had dinner back at the Alpina Chalet, this time inside. This fine-
dining meal was so very tasty, with the best local products, great local wine, and the best views to the
Alpe di Siusi disappearing into the night.

When we got out, the sky was completely clear of any clouds or fog. Since we were 2,000 m / 6,500 ft
high and there is very little artificial light in Alpe di Siusi, we could see the fully starred sky framed by the
fainted white sharp peaks all around.

A sensational way to end our day!

71
72
 DAY SIX

TOURING
LAKES

VIDEO ITINERARY
TAP TO PLAY
DAY SIX MORNING

LAGO DI CAREZZA
KARERSEE

For the final part of our trip, we headed to the

western-most side of the Dolomites, first stop at
Lago di Carezza.

This emerald-tone lake has waters so still that

perfectly reflect the evergreen spruce forest around
it and the Latemar range in the background. On a
bright-sky beautiful day, it is said that the waters
gleam in all colours of the rainbow. Legend has it a
sorcerer fell deeply in love with the nymph that lived
and bathed on the shores of the lake, and tried to
conquer her with the magical colours of a rainbow
cast over the lake. Once she evaded him, the
sorcerer smashed the rainbow into a million pieces
that sunk to the bottom of the lake, giving it the
myriad of tones it is known for until this day. Close to
the east margin of the lake, you can spot the nymph
still braiding her hair and bathing herself!

Getting to Lago di Carezza is very easy. You can

drive up all the way to the parking lot by the lake, and
then walk to the lake and around it!

74
T H E E M E R A L D W A T E R S O F L A G O D I C A R E Z Z A
DAY SIX AFTERNOON

LAGO DI TOVEL
TOVELSEE

Our next stop was the incredible Lago di Tovel. Fully surrounded by the tall steep mountainsides, in the
early afternoon the sun shines on its waters and reflects the green tones all around, giving it a
phenomenal green tone, something between a glacial-turquoise and an emerald green. Until a few
decades ago, this lake used to turn red in Summer due to the presence of a particular algae, but this is a
phenomenon that no longer occurs. Still, the lake is a true gem to be explored. It is worth taking an hour
or two to admire this landscape and walk around it!

Getting there is also a great experience, as the first portion of the drive there is made through a road on
the hillside of the raw Val di Tovel. You can park very close to the lake, but you should buy your entrance
ticket in advance in Tuenno. If you forget, they will take note of your plate and write you a note which you
can use to pay afterwards in Tuenno or online.

61 56
DAY SIX AFTERNOON

LAGO NERO

To finish our day exploring beautiful lakes, we went to Lago Nero, just north of Pinzolo, where we would
stay for our last 2 nights.

Lago Nero, although not very large nor with clear waters, is visually striking for standing right on the edge
of a cliff with the mountains in the distance creating a fantastic backdrop. Close to it, in a small valley
where cows graze with their cow-bells tolling, two turquoise-water lakes lay, and there is a peak in
between these three lakes where you have a 360º panorama and see them all.

To get there by car you will have to climb a long stretch of winding, often narrow road, so be careful on
your way up, especially in the bends as there might be other cars coming the other way. Once you get up
there, you can park close to Rifugio Cornisello, where you can also have a drink or a snack with beautiful
views to the valleys below. For our hike, which is relatively easy, we first climbed to Lago Nero and then
down around to the two Laghi di Cornisello, but you can also do it the other way around!
 CHECKING-IN

LEFAY DOLOMITI

PINZOLO
TAP TO PLAY
DAY SIX EVENING

After our hike around Lago Nero, we headed to our final destination in the Dolomites - the Lefay Resort
& Spa Dolomiti, a multiple-award wining Hotel & Spa and one of the best in the Dolomites, with a
seamless alpine architecture and a modern design that still feels very traditional and welcoming.

The views to Val Rendena below, the mountains to each side, and the quietness are the perfect setting
for a final stay to restore energies from a long week, without compromising the slightest on the
surrounding beauty. The spacious suite, with a wide balcony overlooking the swimming pool area, the
distinctive main building and the mountains in the back, is a haven of comfort, and the hotel tranquil
environment with its 5,000 sqm / 53,000 sqft Spa & Wellness centre - a true temple immersed in
Nature - make for the perfect body and soul regenerating stay.
DAY SIX EVENING

DINNER AT GRUAL

To start on the right foot, our first dinner at Lefay mountain, with layers of flavour that reflect the
Dolomiti was a modern celebration of the aromas different altitudes of a mountain environment,
and flavours of the mountains and forests from the valley floor, through the alpine pastures,
surrounding us, in a true feast to the senses. all the way to the peaks.
At Grual, a restaurant with an intimate This layering of elements creates fully cohesive
environment, with an interior design that brings dishes that truly reflect the local cuisine and
inside the forest and mountain elements to celebrate the gastronomic inheritance of the
perfectly complement the dishes served, each Dolomites!
plate of food is inspired by the fullness of a
mountain

81
 DAY SEVEN

RECHARGING
& RECONNECTING

VIDEO ITINERARY
TAP TO PLAY
DAY SEVEN FULL DAY

Our last day in the Dolomites was one of pure relaxation. In a destination where hiking and connecting
with Nature is mandatory, it is no wonder that there is also such a big focus on promoting personal
wellness and relaxation, and for that there is nowhere better than the Lefay Dolomiti, with its enormous
Spa & Wellness centre where you can enjoy the most modern Saunas and relaxation swimming pools,
the energy-therapeutic paths especially designed by the Lefay SPA Method Scientific Committee
according to the principles of Classical Chinese Medicine, and a wide array of wellness treatments
including massages, physiotherapy and osteopathic treatments.

We made the best of all this, we are just sorry we did not stay for longer, combining the treatments and
relaxation with the exploration of the surrounding area.

This was the best way to end our trip, and we have to give a special thanks to the Lefay Dolomiti team for
so perfectly welcoming us and making sure our stay was absolutely perfect, and also to Beyond Green
for organizing this unique, intentional and mindful part of our trip!
84
SUGGESTIONS
 OTHER FAVOURITE
PLACES TO STAY

LEFAY DOLOMITI ***** PINZOLO

COMO ALPINA ***** ALPE DI SIUSI

FORESTIS ***** BRIXEN

ODLES LODGE ***** BRIXEN

MIRAMONTI BOUTIQUE HOTEL ***** MERANO

HOTEL MONTCHALET ***** ORTISEI

HOTEL HUBERTUS **** ALTA BADIA

HOTEL KOLFUSCHGERHOF **** ALTA BADIA

CORTINA
HOTEL DE LEN ****
D’AMPEZZO

CORTINA
LUXURY CORTINA Homestay
D’AMPEZZO

SELVA VAL
HOTEL GRANBAITA DOLOMITES *****
GARDENA

SANTRE DOLOMYTHIC HOME **** BRIXEN

87
F O R E S T I S
 MY TOP RESTAURANTS

ALPINN BRUNICO

TILIA DOBBIACO

ALPINA CHALET ALPE DI SIUSI

RAUCHHÜTTE ALPE DI SIUSI

GOSTNER SCHWAIGE ALPE DI SIUSI

CIASA SALARES SAN CASSIANO

ANNA STUBEN ORTISEI

GRUAL @ LEFAY DOLOMITI PINZOLO

EL BRITE DE LARIETO ALVERÁ

SANBRITE ALVERÁ

5 TORRI CORTINA
D’AMPEZZO

RA STUA CORTINA
D’AMPEZZO

89
 Slow traveler, life’s simple luxuries,
Nature & well-being lover.

Sónia Mota
Co-founder of STT

TIK TOK INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE

MY TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover my other guides.

Tap the image to shop

[Link]