Dolomites | A Fairytale Haven in the Alps

The beauty of the Dolomites lies in the whispers between mountains and lakes, and the awe of every step taken by hikers. Unlike the crowded and expensive Swiss Alps, the Dolomites harbor the purest soul of the Alps. Pack your bags and embark on a rejuvenating journey into the wilderness! ✅ Best Seasons: 🔸 June to October: Pleasant summer weather (15-28°C), ideal for hiking 🔸 Autumn (September to October): Vibrant foliage, mountain views like oil paintings, perfect for photography 🔸 December to April: Ski season with 1,200 km of slopes and professional facilities at Winter Olympics standards 🚇 Transportation: 🔸 From Milan: Take a train to Bolzano, then transfer to Bus 350 to Ortisei, the starting point for hiking. Attractions are within a 10-30 minute drive. 🔸 From Venice: Join a one-day tour (7 hours round trip), including a guide and lunch. 🏨 Accommodation: 🔸 Recommended stay in Ortisei town for its high value and convenient transportation. 🔸 Mountain huts (Rifugio): Experience "star-rated lodges" in the mountains. Italian valley huts offer Italian cuisine, while German-speaking areas resemble Bavarian guesthouses. Mixed dorms but with a unique atmosphere. 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions: 1⃣️ Val di Funes Postcard-perfect views of Santa Maddalena Church and Geisler Peaks, where the mountains turn pink and gold at sunrise and sunset—truly dreamy! Visit St. John Church (the onion-domed church), recognized by National Geographic as "the loneliest church." 2⃣️ Tre Cime di Lavaredo A filming location for "Star Wars," featuring a 12 km hiking loop. At the endpoint, Refugio Locatelli, enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the three giant peaks—absolutely breathtaking. 3⃣️ Alpe di Siusi Europe's largest alpine meadow. Take a cable car to overlook herds of cattle and sheep. In autumn, golden meadows paired with white dolomite peaks resemble scenes from "Heidi." 4⃣️ Lago di Braies Known as "The Pearl of the Dolomites," the lake boasts emerald-green waters. Rent a wooden boat for a paddle or hike around the lake—guaranteed stunning photos. 5⃣️ Lago di Carezza Dubbed "Rainbow Lake" for its light-reflecting colors. In late autumn, the lake mirrors snow-capped mountains, creating a serene, picturesque view. 🥾 Classic Hiking Routes: 🔸 Seceda: A 14 km ridge trail featuring knife-edged peaks and silver dolomite rocks, bathed in golden light at sunset. 🔸 Cinque Torri: A 12 km loop with WWI historical sites and via ferrata climbing paths. The summit offers views of Mount Lafazuoi. 🔸 New Route Camma Retica: Opening in 2024, a 7-day trek through 10 villages, spanning 170 km—perfect for deep exploration. 📸 Photography Tips: Golden Hours: One hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, when the peaks display "Alpenglow" (pink → purple → magenta). Recommended Spots: - Next to the fence at Val di Funes farm for shots of the church and peaks - At Rifugio Locatelli for panoramic views of Tre Cime - Near Sporthotel Sonne in Alpe di Siusi for meadow and snow-capped mountain views