Dolomites

The Alpine region of the Dolomites is located in the Italian provinces of Belluno, Bolzano – South Tyrol, and Trentino. To the north, the Pustertal valley forms the entrance to the northern mountain groups, while in the east, the Piave valley creates a natural border. To the south, the Dolomites reach as far as Veneto; from many peaks, you can already see the sea. Parts of the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, such as the famous Drei Zinnen. The Marmolada, which was still glaciated as of 2022, is the highest peak at 3,343 m.

The name South Tyrol contains two nouns in its root – South and Tyrol – which evoke a sense of wanderlust and longing in me. I also associate it with childhood memories of spending several summer holidays in the Val Gardena and Tiers valleys in the early 1970s, where I got to know many valleys, alpine meadows, cols, notches, peaks, and ridges on numerous hikes.

Even today, unique landscapes like the Seiser Alm (the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe), the Sella massif with Piz Boè, the Rosengarten, the Sesto Dolomites with the Drei Zinnen, Fanes-Sennes-Prags, and the Ampezzo Dolomites, as well as quiet and lesser-known destinations, draw many travellers to the Dolomites. Besides hiking, climbing, or cycling in summer, the winter months offer attractive ski resorts and a wide range of touring options for ski tourers. This is complemented by a well-developed tourist infrastructure, excellent regional cuisine, and a vibrant traditional culture and art scene.