In this post, we'll show you our top 8 highlights that will make your vacation in the Italian mountain region unforgettable. From Majestic Peaks to Turquoise Mountain Lakes.
The Seceda region is located right next to the small town of Ortisei and is an absolute hiking paradise. There are numerous well-marked hiking trails that lead through the idyllic landscape. From leisurely walks to demanding mountain tours. With a view that leads into the abyss and can also make your legs wobble, there is something for every hiker here. This area definitely also has something to offer in terms of cuisine, so you'll find some cute alpine huts here on your hike where you can fortify yourself.
Pieralongia Hut
Small but nice: A recommendation for animal lovers because right next door are super cute and friendly donkeys that you can even pet.
Troier Hut
Rustic and cozy: This hut is the perfect stopover on your hike.
Baita Sofie Hut
Chic and authentic: The motto here is to put your feet up, have a drink in your hand and enjoy the sun.
Restaurant Seceda 2500 m - The Highest in Val Gardena
Nice view and easy to reach. A clear recommendation if you don't want to hike so much. This cabin is right next to the gondola.
The fastest way to get to Seceda is to park right at the bottom of the gondolas and treat yourself to a gondola ride up. The trip is definitely worth it, because here you can enjoy a fantastic view even before your hike, without any effort.
The Seiser Alm, also known as Alpe di Siusi, is also definitely a must see for us. Here, too, you can easily park right in front of the gondola for 7€ per day and travel comfortably upstairs and enjoy the view from there. This is perfect if you want to go on a more relaxed, flutter hiking tour. This route is also suitable for mountain biking. The Seiser Alm had a very special charm for us. It gave us the feeling that we were not that high up at all. We felt right at home here, as if in our very own small, green world. Hiking here was a lot of fun and was mostly flat and therefore easy to do. On the way, we also met some animals such as cows, horses, goats and donkeys. Some of them were actually just running around freely and we could even pet them. Here, too, there are some super nice huts that are worth taking a break at. We particularly liked the smoke house here.
This Emerald Green Mountain Lake is nestled amidst a breathtaking backdrop of imposing mountains and dense forest. The lake is particularly known for its crystal-clear water surface, which reflects the magnificent mountain landscape.
This view really amazed us. Just when we were there in September, there was a super relaxed atmosphere here, despite the hotspot! The lake is a perfect destination, as is often the case in the Dolomites, for nature lovers, hikers and photographers. A short 20-minute stroll around the lake or a picnic on the shore are wonderful ways to enjoy the peaceful and enchanting atmosphere of this place.
Bring a small snack, blanket and cool drink, because you can really make yourself comfortable around the lake. You can park right by the lake and it's even free.
Sankt Magdalena is an idyllic village in the Dolomites. However, the real star of the area is not the village, but the small church of St. Johann and the wonderful mountain panorama that only the Dolomites can offer you. But what you absolutely have to do once you're there is to drive to the well-known viewpoint to watch the sunset. You can find the exact coordinates here.
From this viewpoint, we were able to have a breathtaking view of the village and the mountains, with the light of the sun slowly weakening and the mountains being enveloped in a warm light.
Be sure to be at the viewpoint before sunset so that you can watch everything in peace and quiet. You can also watch the church from the viewpoint. But since it is a good distance away, it is worthwhile to have binoculars or a camera with a strong zoom.
The Sorapis Mountain Lake is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking highlights in the Dolomites. The lake is located about 12 km from Cortina d'Ampezzo It is located at an altitude of 1,925 meters above sea level. The special thing about the lake is its turquoise, clear color and the rustic mountains that surround it. This particular color is due to the nature of the rocks of the glacier from which the lake originates. The Dust That Settles on the Lake Bed Gives It the Shades of Blue for Which It Has Become So Famous You can reach the lake on a 2-3 hour hike that starts at Passo Tre Croci.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a few snacks and water.
This picturesque mountain lake is also known as Prager Wildsee and Enchants with its crystal-clear water and the surrounding rugged mountain peaks and dense forests that surround it and are reflected in the water. The lake is located south of Toblach and is part of the Fannes Sennes Prague Nature Park and a protected natural monument. The Mountain was most likely created after a mountain slide that dammed up the water. Depending on the weather and lighting conditions, the Lake Shimmers either turquoise, blue or emerald green and is therefore a different phenomenon at any time of day. Once around the lake, it's about 4 km, which takes you about 1.5-2 hours at a leisurely pace. At the lake, you can rest very well on a towel on the shore and enjoy the view or explore the middle of the lake with a small wooden boat.
If it's warm, definitely bring a bathing suit because bathing is allowed here and the water is incredibly clear and refreshing. Driving a wooden boat is not that easy, so it's best not to do it alone if you're not very familiar with it. We think the lake is at its best early in the morning or at sunset.
Tre Cime, also known as the Three Peaks, are pretty much the figurehead of the Dolomites. You should definitely stop here on your trip. It's best to sleep right there on the parking space at the Auronzo Hut, because the views and nature here are truly an absolute dream. Many hikes start from there, including those to Cadini di Misurina. However, the hike around the Three Peaks is one of the most popular. On this hike, you can admire the three massive mountain peaks from all perspectives and experience a real little adventure. You can choose between three different routes, which vary in length. Along the way, you have wonderful huts for rest. However, depending on the route, you should plan between 3-5 hours for the hike and feel like exercising a bit. 😉
Be careful if you deviate from the main trail, sometimes it gets pretty bumpy on the other routes. So be sure to bring cash to the Dreizinnenhütte so that you can fortify yourself there.
This is where the pictures are taken that you have probably seen many times of the Dolomites on Instagram. The Cadini di Misurina Mountains are located in the municipality of Auronzo di Cadore, right by the Three Peaks. This hike is also known as the “Mordor Hike” among fans and draws you into the fascinating world of “The Lord of the Rings.” Because this view is actually reminiscent of the Towers of Mordor and of Course makes the hearts of fans of the epic films in particular beat faster. But even those who aren't necessarily fans immediately feel the mysterious and mystical flair of this unique experience. The hike there is definitely not for the faint of heart. You look into Abysses All the Time and See Incredible Mountain Peaks. We had the feeling that we were running on another planet because the flora and fauna were out of this world. Nevertheless, this hike is generally easy to complete and takes about 1-1.5 hours.
If you stay at the Auronzo Hut, it's a good idea to do this hike twice. Once at sunset and also at sunrise, because the different light allows you to experience the same place in two completely different moods.
