Everything you need to know before your trip to the Dolomites. Dolomites, Italy

Asia

In the summer to the sea - how trite. We invite you to change your orientation and go to the mountains, where the air is clean and fresh, and around you there is healing silence and tranquility, sometimes vital during your vacation. The Dolomites and its respectable resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo will be a suitable place for a summer mountain holiday, the impressions of which you will share with friends for a long time to come.

"This is the most beautiful natural architecture in the world" - wrote about the Dolomites brilliant architect Le Corbusier. Now these white cliffs, mesmerizing with their beauty, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Coming here in the summer is a special experience, without crowds of skiers and snowboarders, queues for lifts and other tourist fuss.

In the summer, everything goes on as usual here: vacationers drink wine and a syringe on the cafe terraces, walk with small dogs along the pedestrian streets, sunbathe in the meadows near the lake and ride bicycles. And, of course, they contemplate the mountains, better than which, as they say, there are only mountains.

The heart of the Dolomites and one of the most picturesque resort towns - Cortina d'Ampezzo, popular in the last century among wealthy Italians. It is most convenient to get to it from Venice by car, on the way for 2.5 hours you can observe incredible landscapes of the opening hills and then mountains from the window. Approximately the same time will take the way from Innsbruck and a little longer from Verona.

The Cortina Express bus connects the resort with Venice Airport and Venice-Mestre train station.

In 1956, the resort hosted the Winter Olympics for the first time since the war, thus becoming the first Italian Olympic capital. This, of course, is very proud of here. The town itself is very cozy, cute and picturesque. On the balconies, terraces and windows - however, everywhere - one can see bright flowers, pedestrian streets are paved with paving stones, in the center - according to tradition - there is a small church with a towering bell tower. All in the best Alpine traditions.

There are few Russian tourists here in the summer - they are mainly on the coast, and this is another reason to come here on vacation.

From all sides the town is surrounded by the Dolomites. During sunrises and sunsets, the white cliffs turn pink, revealing a truly extraordinary landscape that can be photographed day after day - the palette of pink shades is so changeable.

Where to stay

If you ask the locals what is the best hotel in Cortina, everyone will no doubt name Cristallo Hotel Spa&Golf. The White Palace, located on the edge of the forest just above the city itself, is famous throughout the district. The hotel is more than a hundred years old and during this time has experienced many bright events and moments.

In the 70s, the local trendy nightclub Monkey was lit by golden youth. Champagne flowed like water, love stories began. At night parties, one could meet artists, writers, actors and industrialists. It was an absolute must visit in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Now the restored Monkey is no longer a place for noisy parties, but rather a lounge area - a cigar room is open here. But guests can always organize their own private party.

Indeed, the hotel feels the romance of yesteryear. Heavy keys to the rooms, frescoes and paintings on the walls, playing the piano in the bar in the evening remind of her... The moody atmosphere shines through in every piece of interior, as if referring to the greatness of those years.

The windows of the rooms overlook the beautiful and majestic Tofana mountain, which you can admire with a cup of coffee on the balcony.

In the panoramic Gazebo restaurant, you can taste both Italian hits and purely regional Dolomite dishes, such as ravioli with beets, potatoes and turnips - casunziei.

Before dinner, you can go for an aperitif in the bar, where live music is played in the evenings. In addition to cocktail classics - syringe aperol or bellini - the bar menu includes the signature cocktail Cristallo. It contains rose champagne, lychee liqueur and precious pearl powder, which makes the drink a little foamy. The color of the cocktail is reminiscent of the white rocks of the Dolomites during sunset.

After playing golf or trekking in the hotel, you can relax in the spa center, which works on the basis of Swiss Transvital cosmetics. The hotel also features a large fitness centre, swimming pool, hammam and Aldo Coppola Beauty Salon.

Things to do

In summer, the Dolomites are no less interesting than in winter. Skiing and snowboarding are being replaced by mountain bikes and Nordic walking poles. Around Cortina, there are kilometers of routes of varying difficulty for cycling and trekking. In the city center you can rent a bike, including an e-bike, and go on a scenic route through lakes, flowering valleys and forests. When choosing a route to Tofana di Rozes, get ready for an encounter with marmots and chamois.

The Dolomites are also known for their excellent conditions for climbing, by the way, the film with Sylvester Stallone "Rock Climber" was filmed here.

Experienced instructors will teach you the basics on the training rocks, but if you are no longer a beginner, you can conquer the Cinque Torri or the Via Ferrata routes. In addition, you can combine mountain biking and rock climbing for a real adventure.

Less extreme activities include mountain fishing, golf, yoga and Pilates classes combined with trekking. An obligatory point is the ascent to one of the nearby mountains - Tofana, Cristallo or Faloria, from where you can admire the valley and mountain ranges. If the choice falls on Tofana and its three stages of ascent, plan lunch at Col Druscie at a local panoramic restaurant - the cuisine here is excellent.

History buffs will certainly be interested in the open-air museum dedicated to the First World War. Cortina d'Ampezzo was located directly on the border of Austria-Hungary, and hostilities were unfolding nearby. Here you can see real trenches and shelters of troops, military depots and fortifications. The museum stretches for 5 km between Lagazuoi, Cinque Torri and Sasso di Stria. You can explore the route dedicated to the First World War on foot or by bike.

In Cortina there is also an astronomical observatory with two domes, equipped with the most modern telescopes, where on a clear night you can get closer to the starry sky.

Where to go from Cortina

It is very convenient to explore the beauty of the Dolomites by car - the bus network is not very well developed here. Freedom of movement will allow you to see stunning mountain landscapes, green meadows with grazing cows, lakes and forests.

From Cortina, we advise you to go to Lake Braies, which impresses with its emerald color. In hot weather, you can even swim in it if you are not afraid of cold water. Or at least take a romantic boat trip on the lake.

Among the lakes, it is also worth highlighting Misurina with a view of the extraordinary beauty of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountain range.

You can also ride to the pretty town of Dobbiaco, which is more Austrian than Italian, as well as to Passo Giau, from where you can see the majestic Marmolada - the highest mountain of the Dolomites.

Olga Bebekina, Cortina d'Ampezzo

An overview photo report of the most beautiful places in the Italian Dolomites. Cozy towns, picturesque rivers, lakes of fantastic beauty, fabulous mountain valleys, winding serpentines and mountain passes fell into the camera lens.

I was lucky enough to visit the Dolomites twice - in autumn and summer. I will begin my reporting on this stunning mountainous UNESCO World Heritage Site with a trip in November. In the porthole, through the darkness and clouds, the snow-capped peaks of the foothills of the Italian Alps are visible. The plane comes in for a landing in Bergamo, the time is eleven o'clock in the evening. Having received our 500 fiats at the airport, we go to the hotel of the Old City.

Waking up before dawn, I hurried to the walls of the Citta Alta to admire the beautiful morning view from them.

2. Bergamo- a very beautiful and cozy town with beautiful diverse architecture and a unique atmosphere. The old part of the city is at the top of the hill. After having a snack, I climb the highest mountain to look at the Cathedral, the Church of St. Mary Maggiori and the Palace of Reason from there. The foggy view was just what we needed.

3. In November, the nature here is full of rich and bright autumn colors, and the trees beckon to pick their ripe, beautiful and juicy fruits. It is a pity that only my telephoto lens could reach this persimmon.

4. Before leaving for the Dolomites, we decided to take a walk in the center of the main city. On Sundays, a festive atmosphere reigns here: fairs, festivities and entertainment are everywhere.

5. We leave along the Venetian highway, then we leave to the north. The road is gradually gaining height, we turn into Riva del Garda.

Inspection of this picturesque place begins from the observation deck. From here you have a magnificent view of the northern part of Lake Garda. This is where the foothills end and the real Alps begin..

6. The old town is very cozy and well-groomed. No wonder it is considered one of the best holiday destinations in Italy. But now is not the season. On the almost deserted streets you can meet only lonely pensioners and fishermen. All cafes and restaurants are closed. The picturesque embankment is unusually deserted.

7. It was only necessary to get bread out of the backpack, as all the birds immediately flocked from the area. Sparrows, gulls and pigeons were so hungry that they snatched pieces right out of their hands and fought for every crumb.

8. But we must move on towards Austria. The beauty of the mountains in autumn is amazing. Clouds hang over the well-groomed green slopes, yellow vineyards add contrast to the already picturesque pictures. The Alps at this time of the year resemble puzzles, the pattern of which on each individual mountain is original.

9. On almost every rock, under the very clouds, beautiful medieval castles and houses are built.

10. Before Bolzano, we left the highway and climbed the serpentine into the mountains to enjoy the beautiful scenery from there, take a walk and breathe in the purest mountain air. Beauty surrounds from all sides, and we are among the clouds.

11. The next morning we were to be in Dandelion Valley...

It's dark outside. Thick clouds surrounded the mountain valley of the city of Bolzano. It's a light drizzle outside. The soft and warm bed does not let me out of its arms into the cool and damp autumn mountains. As much as I would like it, but I have to get up and follow the planned program. After breakfast, we leave for one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites, this is. Having left the main road, we rushed up the seemingly endless mountain serpentine. The dark sky, which until recently hung overhead, now appeared before my eyes. Lights up very slowly. The higher we go, the denser the clouds become.

12. To be honest, I imagined the morning in Dandelion Valley in a different light (orange sun, curly clouds and other beauty). But now outside the window is the end of November - the time of heavy snowfalls. The weather makes its own adjustments and we have to be content with such a cloudy-foggy morning.

13. In the Dandelion Valley there is a wonderful village -. After some wandering, we find ourselves there. Friendly locals in Tyrolean attire are already wishing us good morning. Some of them are already chopping firewood at such an early hour, and someone is starting a tractor, the workers have begun to repair the road, a team of woodcutters is ready to leave for the plot. A police car also came across. Why is she in these parts? Here, probably, the most peaceful place on the whole planet, it would be better if they were seconded somewhere to Sicily :)

14. Santa Magdalena - a very pleasant and quiet place at the foot of magnificent mountain ranges, with beautiful alpine houses, many beautiful flowers on the streets in the summer, households, churches, rivers. We climb to the observation platform to admire the fantastic view of the mountain peaks. Below in the frame you can see the wonderful three-thousanders: Sass Rigais and Furchetta, who did not dare to look out from behind the clouds :) Sad, but still beautiful.

15. I had to turn on the "time machine" and go seven months ahead. I ended up in someone's garden without permission and was impressed by such a sunset light. And you, dear readers, which view do you like more?

16. Sharp dolomite teeth strive to grab some magnificent cloud, shining with a stunningly beautiful rainbow in the warm evening light. Such beauty is everywhere.

18. Let's finish with this inspection of this most picturesque valley, in which I have not seen dandelions. We descend back down to then climb the most beautiful alpine passes.

19. I had to go around twice. Having climbed a little uphill, the road forked, and the sign read: “If you go to the left, you will get to the Passo Gardena pass, if you go to the right, you will get to the Passo Sella pass”

In November, the lot fell on Sella. From 1500 meters the road rose through the clouds to the mark of 2200. Snow was added with each turn of the road. From somewhere in the clouds, illuminated by the sun, creamy sheer cliffs were visible.

20. One thing was pleasing - the road was cleared, and the ice was only in places. The magnificent view of the winter snow-capped Alps was worth such an extreme. Rising above the clouds, we saw the sun for the first time in 2 days.

21. Having left this pass and overcoming a couple more similar ones, we finally ended up in the capital of the 1956 Winter Olympics - the city of Cortina d'Ampezzo. This is a panoramic view of the city and the mountain valley.

22. I return to my "time machine" ... July again. At the fork in Val Gardena, I turn left. It's already dark. I rise to the level of 2100, to the Passo Gardena pass. Despite the middle of summer, it's only +4 outside. I spend the night in a hotel on the pass.

23. Morning starts, as always, early. Having climbed one of the slopes, a magnificent view of the serpentine rising from the Gardena Valley opened up in front of me.

24. This beautiful chapel on the pass was built already in this century. It blends in well with the beautiful mountain landscape.

25. Next to it are such barracks (or maybe huts or barns). If it were not for the mountains in the background, then I would have thought that this is the Russian outback, and not the center of Europe.

26. Having left the Passo Gardena pass, I headed along a winding and narrow gorge to the village of La Valle.

27. The smell of manure, which is dumped right along the road, immediately made me feel the rustic flavor. But he in no way affected the positive impression of this beautiful place.

28. Having climbed to the very top, the road ended, I got out of the car to admire the magnificent view of the mountain valley. I was accompanied by a black domestic cat.

29. La Valle reminded me a lot of Dandelion Valley. A very beautiful place where you can stay away from the urban jungle, breathe clean mountain air and admire the fantastic mountain scenery.

30. I will not linger here, there is still a very rich program ahead. I made a few more stops and continued on my way. After driving another 15 kilometers, the road brought me to the banks of the river Rienza.

31. The next place I went to is the pearl of the Dolomites -. It is located at an altitude of almost 1500 meters above sea level. Everyone who plans a route through the Alpine corners of Italy should definitely visit here.

32. With difficulty finding a place in three equipped parking lots, I went for a walk along the shore of the emerald lake. People are brought here by buses, so here you don’t feel lost far away in the mountains. The path along the lake resembles the sidewalk of a decent city.

33. However, this in no way detracts from the beauty of Lago di Braes and does not cause discomfort. You can walk around the lake in about an hour, covering a distance of about 5 kilometers. It is a pity that the weather was overcast without a single hint of light.

34. Having taken a walk, I went to the car, but the nearby cafe beckoned me with fresh and fragrant pastries, I had to stay here for half an hour to have lunch and then visit another lake located nearby. Meet -.

35. In November, we got into a terrible snowfall here, but we looked at the beautiful swans, which from day to day were supposed to fly away towards the warm Adriatic.

37. My route was built in a different way, but the tripod for the camera, forgotten in La Valle, made adjustments and the next place where I was. There is still snow on the pass even in July.

38. Having admired Lake Valparola from a height, I decided to get closer to its shore. As soon as I approached, I noticed some creature that was darting near the shore. It was hard to recognize him from afar. The “long” lens, reserved for such cases, helped me.

39. I read on the Internet that if you are very lucky, you can meet alpine marmots in the Dolomites. Turns out I got lucky. However, as soon as I tried to get closer to him, he immediately hid behind numerous stones. This photo is from a series of find a groundhog :)

40. Now I will tell you about another Dolomites lake. From the city of Bolzano there is a direct road to it, which begins with a three-kilometer tunnel. The lake itself is about 25 kilometers away. On the way, I make a stop in Welshnofen to take a closer look at an interesting chapel.

41. and it met me very cloudy and rainy in places. There was almost no hope for good weather, so we had to be content with such obese views.

42. Decided to go back and drink coffee in the parking lot. The miracle happened after some 15 minutes. The clouds suddenly receded and the sun finally illuminated the water surface of the lake.

43. This shot of the Lattemar Mountains in the reflection of Lake Carreza won second place in one of the National Geographic photo contests.

44. Having traveled enough through the Dolomites, I headed towards, probably, the most picturesque mountain range Tre Cime Di Lavaredo to meet the alpine sunset there. Having safely moved through the Tre Croki pass, I ended up near. Standing on the banks of the Misurina with a cup of tea and hot apple strudel, bought in a store on the nearest street, admire the stunning view of the mountain lake.

45. Having traveled only a few kilometers up, I ended up on another lake called Antorno.

46. Carpets of colorful and fragrant alpine flowers and herbs surround almost all the shores of this fabulous lake. The weather is magnificent, in the late afternoon it finally cleared up.

47. At the risk of missing the last rays of the long-awaited sun, I climb up from Antorno. A barrier blocks my way. Having paid 20 euro rubles, I pass. Having wound 15 turns of the serpentine already familiar to me, I ended up somewhere in a rain cloud, and again +4 on the thermometer. Hostel Auronzo, located 100 meters from me, was barely visible. Hello, we have arrived! And where is the sun that shone in my face 10 minutes ago? Where is the sunset and the most important question: where, in fact, is the trident of Tre Cime di Lavaredo itself? Of course, I am not one of those people who lose heart, but I clearly wanted to see something else here. Leaving some things at the shelter, I went straight to the cloud to get my luck, hoping to see at least something ...

48. After walking half a kilometer, the cloud suddenly ended, and the majestic mountain peaks of Lavaredo hung over me. On the way, I came across such a beautiful chapel, which was built right on the edge of the abyss. The light area around it seemed very symbolic to me.

49. Stunning mountain scenery is everywhere, just have time to turn your head and press the camera buttons. After jumping over a small pass, I finally saw from the other side. I saw it exactly as I imagined it. Here is a sunset in the Alps.

50. However, the miracle did not last long, in this light I managed to take only a few shots, as the sun first disappeared behind the clouds, and then behind the neighboring mountain peaks. But thanks for that too. At the foot there are three small lakes "no name" with crystal clear glacial water.

51. Before dark, I had to get to the Auronzo shelter. The route "around Tre Cime" turned out to be about nine kilometers.

52. The next place where I have to visit this magnificent, hidden in the mountains.

53. After Cortina, D'Ampezzo had to slow down and look for the right path. Fortunately, there was an information stand and signs near it. Leaving the car right on the side of the road, I began the six-kilometer ascent.

54. At first the track was relatively gentle and passed near a beautiful mountain gorge. Having crossed the bridge, I ran into a very steep mountain, which I had to climb. A test worthy of a good workout.

55. I have already seen a lot of things in the Dolomites, but Federa will be remembered for its unique and unlike landscapes and the atmosphere of Alpine tranquility.

56. I went down to the car much faster and headed towards the already mentioned Valparola pass. A little before reaching it, I left the car in the parking lot next to the deployed division of NATO troops and began a two-kilometer ascent to Lake Limides.

57. Along the way, I repeatedly met the fortifications of the First World War. Due to its accessibility, this route is very popular, especially among tourists with children.

58. not very big - only 100 meters long. From all sides it is surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges. The springs gushing at the bottom of the lake create the illusion of heterogeneity and multicolored water.

59. Mountain Cinque Torri is within easy reach from here.

60. You can climb to its foot either on a lift or by car. Since the lift finishes work quite early, I drove up the mountain by car. A one-kilometer walk to the foot of the Cinque Torri, of course, was not difficult.

61. There is an open-air museum of the First World War. Everywhere trenches, dugouts.
Dugouts have been reconstructed, soldier dummies and models of weapons of those times are on display.

62. The highest peak has a height of 2361 meters. About five years ago, this massif was partially destroyed - a huge boulder broke off from the second peak and fell. Climbers constantly train on the sheer cliffs of the Cinque.

This is the last part of my report. I planned to stay here until late in the evening, but the changeable wind again dragged numerous clouds from somewhere, it began to rain. Realizing that in this way the Dolomites told me “Goodbye!”, I got into the car and set off on a long journey to the Adriatic coast ...

Waking up before dawn, I hurried to the walls of the Citta Alta to admire the beautiful morning view from them.

Bergamo is a very beautiful and cozy town with beautiful diverse architecture and a unique atmosphere. The old part of the city is at the top of the hill. After having a snack, I climb the highest mountain to look at the Cathedral, the Church of St. Mary Maggiori and the Palace of Reason from there. The foggy view was just what we needed.

In November, nature here is full of rich and bright autumn colors, and trees beckon to pick their ripe, beautiful and juicy fruits. It is a pity that only my telephoto lens could reach this persimmon.

Before leaving for the Dolomites, we decided to take a walk in the center of the main city. On Sundays, a festive atmosphere reigns here: fairs, festivities and entertainment are everywhere.

We leave along the Venetian highway, then we leave to the north. The road is gradually gaining height, we turn into Riva del Garda.

Inspection of this picturesque place begins from the observation deck. From here you have a magnificent view of the northern part of Lake Garda. It is here that the foothills end and the real Alps begin.

The old town of Riva del Garda is very cozy and well-groomed. No wonder it is considered one of the best holiday destinations in Italy. But now is not the season. On the almost deserted streets you can meet only lonely pensioners and fishermen. All cafes and restaurants are closed. The picturesque embankment is unusually deserted.

It was only necessary to get bread out of the backpack, as all the birds immediately flocked from the area. Sparrows, gulls and pigeons were so hungry that they snatched pieces right out of their hands and fought for every crumb.

But we must move on towards Austria. The beauty of the mountains in autumn is amazing. Clouds hang over the well-groomed green slopes, yellow vineyards add contrast to the already picturesque pictures. The Alps at this time of the year resemble puzzles, the pattern of which on each individual mountain is original.

Almost on every rock, under the very clouds, beautiful medieval castles and houses are built.

Before Bolzano, we left the highway and climbed the serpentine into the mountains to enjoy the beautiful scenery from there, take a walk and breathe in the purest mountain air. Beauty surrounds from all sides, and we are among the clouds.

The next morning we were to be in Dandelion Valley...

It's dark outside. Thick clouds surrounded the mountain valley of the city of Bolzano. It's a light drizzle outside. The soft and warm bed does not let me out of its arms into the cool and damp autumn mountains. As much as I would like it, but I have to get up and follow the planned program. After breakfast, we leave for one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites, this is the Dandelion Valley. Having left the main road, we rushed up the seemingly endless mountain serpentine. The dark sky, which until recently hung overhead, now appeared before my eyes. Lights up very slowly. The higher we go, the denser the clouds become.

To be honest, I imagined the morning in Dandelion Valley in a different light (orange sun, curly clouds and other beauty). But now outside the window is the end of November - the time of heavy snowfalls. The weather makes its own adjustments and we have to be content with such a cloudy-foggy morning.

In the Dandelion Valley there is a wonderful village - Santa Magdalena. After some wandering, we find ourselves there. Friendly locals in Tyrolean attire are already wishing us good morning. Some of them are already chopping firewood at such an early hour, and someone is starting a tractor, the workers have begun to repair the road, a team of woodcutters is ready to leave for the plot. A police car also came across. Why is she in these parts? Here, probably, the most peaceful place on the whole planet, it would be better if they were seconded somewhere to Sicily :)

Santa Magdalena is a very pleasant and quiet place at the foot of magnificent mountain ranges, with beautiful alpine houses, many beautiful flowers on the streets in the summer, households, churches, rivers. We climb to the observation platform to admire the fantastic view of the mountain peaks. Below in the frame you can see the wonderful three-thousanders: Sass Rigais and Furchetta, who did not dare to look out from behind the clouds :) Sad, but still beautiful.

I had to turn on the "time machine" and go seven months ahead. I ended up in someone's garden without permission and was impressed by such a sunset light. And you, dear readers, which view do you like more?

Sharp dolomite teeth strive to grab some magnificent cloud, shining with a stunningly beautiful rainbow in the warm evening light. Such beauty is everywhere.

St. John's Chapel stands alone and modestly on a spacious alpine meadow.

Let's finish with this inspection of this picturesque valley, in which I never saw dandelions. We descend back down to then climb the most beautiful alpine passes.

The mountain range of Sella-Group had to go around twice. Having climbed a little uphill, the road forked, and the sign read: “If you go to the left, you will get to the Passo Gardena pass, if you go to the right, you will get to the Passo Sella pass”

Pleased with one thing - the road was cleared, and the ice was only in places. The magnificent view of the winter snow-capped Alps was worth such an extreme. Rising above the clouds, we saw the sun for the first time in 2 days.

Having left this pass and overcoming a couple more similar ones, we finally ended up in the capital of the 1956 Winter Olympics - the city of Cortina d'Ampezzo. This is a panoramic view of the city and the mountain valley.

Returning to my "time machine" ... July again. At the fork in Val Gardena, I turn left. It's already dark. I rise to the level of 2100, to the Passo Gardena pass. Despite the middle of summer, it's only +4 outside. I spend the night in a hotel on the pass.

The morning starts, as always, early. Having climbed one of the slopes, a magnificent view of the serpentine rising from the Gardena Valley opened up in front of me.

This beautiful chapel on the pass was built already in this century. It blends in well with the beautiful mountain landscape.

Next to it are such barracks (or maybe huts or barns). If it were not for the mountains in the background, then I would have thought that this is the Russian outback, and not the center of Europe.

Leaving the Passo Gardena pass, I made my way through a winding and narrow gorge to the village of La Valle.

The smell of manure, which is dumped right along the road, immediately made me feel the rustic flavor. But he in no way affected the positive impression of this beautiful place.

Having climbed to the very top, the road ended, I got out of the car to admire the magnificent view of the mountain valley. I was accompanied by a black domestic cat.

La Valle reminded me a lot of Dandelion Valley. A very beautiful place where you can stay away from the urban jungle, breathe clean mountain air and admire the fantastic mountain scenery.

I will not linger here, there is still a very rich program ahead. I made a few more stops and continued on my way. After driving another 15 kilometers, the road brought me to the banks of the Rienza River.

The next place I went to is the pearl of the Dolomites - Lake Lago di Braes. It is located at an altitude of almost 1500 meters above sea level. Everyone who plans a route through the Alpine corners of Italy should definitely visit here.

With difficulty finding a place in three equipped parking lots, I went for a walk along the shore of the emerald lake. People are brought here by buses, so here you don’t feel lost far away in the mountains. The path along the lake resembles the sidewalk of a decent city.

However, this in no way detracts from the beauty of Lago di Braes and does not cause discomfort. You can walk around the lake in about an hour, covering a distance of about 5 kilometers. It is a pity that the weather was overcast without a single hint of light.

Having made a walk, I went to the car, but the nearby cafe beckoned me with fresh and fragrant pastries, I had to stay here for half an hour to have lunch and then visit another lake located nearby. Meet Lake Dobyakko (Toblach Sea).

In November, we got into a terrible snowfall here, but we looked at the beautiful swans, which from day to day were supposed to fly away towards the warm Adriatic.

Directly there is only 150 kilometers.

My route was built in a different way, but the tripod for the camera, forgotten in La Valle, made adjustments and the next place where I ended up was the Valparola pass and the lake of the same name. There is still snow on the pass even in July.

After admiring Lake Valparola from a height, I decided to get closer to its shore. As soon as I approached, I noticed some creature that was darting near the shore. It was hard to recognize him from afar. The “long” lens, reserved for such cases, helped me.

On the Internet, I read that if you are very lucky, then in the Dolomites you can meet alpine marmots. Turns out I got lucky. However, as soon as I tried to get closer to him, he immediately hid behind numerous stones. This photo is from a series of find a groundhog :)

Now I will tell you about another Dolomites lake. From the city of Bolzano there is a direct road to it, which begins with a three-kilometer tunnel. The lake itself is about 25 kilometers away. On the way, I make a stop in Welshnofen to take a closer look at an interesting chapel.

This lake is called Karretsa and it met me very cloudy and sometimes rainy. There was almost no hope for good weather, so we had to be content with such obese views.

Decided to come back and drink coffee in the parking lot. The miracle happened after some 15 minutes. The clouds suddenly receded and the sun finally illuminated the water surface of the lake.

This shot of the Lattemar Mountains in the Reflection of Carreza Lake won second place in one of the National Geographic photo contests.

Having traveled enough through the Dolomites, I headed towards, probably, the most picturesque mountain range of Tre Cime Di Lavaredo to meet the alpine sunset there. Having safely crossed the Tre Croki pass, I ended up near Lake Misurina. Standing on the banks of the Misurina with a cup of tea and hot apple strudel, bought in a store on the nearest street, admire the stunning view of the mountain lake.

Having traveled only a few kilometers up, I ended up on another lake called Antorno.

Carpets of colorful and fragrant alpine flowers and herbs surround almost all the shores of this fabulous lake. The weather is magnificent, in the late afternoon it finally cleared up.

At the risk of missing the last rays of the long-awaited sun, I climb up from Antorno. A barrier blocks my way. Having paid 20 euro rubles, I pass. Having wound 15 turns of the serpentine already familiar to me, I ended up somewhere in a rain cloud, and again +4 on the thermometer. Hostel Auronzo, located 100 meters from me, was barely visible. Hello, we have arrived! And where is the sun that shone in my face 10 minutes ago? Where is the sunset and the most important question: where, in fact, is the trident of Tre Cime di Lavaredo itself? Of course, I am not one of those people who lose heart, but I clearly wanted to see something else here. Leaving some things at the shelter, I went straight to the cloud to get my luck, hoping to see at least something ...

After walking half a kilometer, the cloud suddenly ended, and the majestic mountain peaks of Lavaredo hung over me. On the way, I came across such a beautiful chapel, which was built right on the edge of the abyss. The light area around it seemed very symbolic to me.

Stunning mountain landscapes are everywhere, just have time to turn your head and press the camera buttons. Jumping over a small pass, I finally saw Tre Cime from the other side. I saw it exactly as I imagined it. Here is a sunset in the Alps.

However, the miracle did not last long, in this light I managed to take only a few shots, as the sun first disappeared behind the clouds, and then behind the neighboring mountain peaks. But thanks for that too. At the foot there are three small lakes "no name" with crystal clear glacial water.

Before dark I had to get to Auronzo's orphanage. The route "around Tre Cime" turned out to be about nine kilometers.

The next place I have to visit is the magnificent lake Federa, hidden in the mountains.

After Cortina, D'Ampezzo had to slow down and look for the right path. Fortunately, there was an information stand and signs near it. Leaving the car right on the side of the road, I began the six-kilometer ascent.

At first, the track was relatively gentle and passed near a beautiful mountain gorge. Having crossed the bridge, I ran into a very steep mountain, which I had to climb. A test worthy of a good workout.

I have already seen a lot of things in the Dolomites, but Federa will be remembered for its unique and unlike landscapes and the atmosphere of Alpine tranquility.

I went down to the car much faster and headed towards the already mentioned Valparola pass. A little before reaching it, I left the car in the parking lot next to the deployed division of NATO troops and began a two-kilometer ascent to Lake Limides.

Along the way, I repeatedly met the fortifications of the First World War. Due to its accessibility, this route is very popular, especially among tourists with children.

Lake Limides is not very large - only 100 meters long. From all sides it is surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges. The springs gushing at the bottom of the lake create the illusion of heterogeneity and multicolored water.

The Cinque Torri mountain is within easy reach from here.

You can climb to its foot either on a lift or by car. Since the lift finishes work quite early, I drove up the mountain by car. A one-kilometer walk to the foot of the Cinque Torri, of course, was not difficult.

There is an open-air museum of the First World War. Everywhere trenches, dugouts.
Dugouts have been reconstructed, soldier dummies and models of weapons of those times are on display.

The highest peak has a height of 2361 meters. About five years ago, this massif was partially destroyed - a huge boulder broke off from the second peak and fell. Climbers constantly train on the sheer cliffs of the Cinque.

It will not be a lie if I say that Italy was lucky because it was also granted the Alps. Thanks to them, the mild climate of the Apennine Peninsula was formed in Italy, they protected from ancient times from the onslaught of enemies, from unsuitable weather conditions. At Christmas, all over Italy has spring weather, while in the Alps it is quite cold and snowing - a real winter fairy tale is guaranteed. In August, and indeed in summer, when there is absolutely nothing to breathe in the cities, the Alps give coolness and sunny days.

In summer, I advise you to visit the provinces of Trentino and South Tyrol, which are visited by more than four million tourists during the season, which is four times the population of the region. Here are a few reasons why you should visit the Alps not only in winter, but also in summer.

Summer is the season when the mountain routes of the Alps are open. Moreover, the routes are always in order, there are numbering and signs indicating the directions and time of passage of the sections. The work is carried out by Alpine communities. Trekking lovers go to the Italian Dolomites, popular and famous for their natural beauties. The local area is different from other areas of the Alps. These are the oldest peaks in the mountains. The mountain peaks of the dolomites amaze with their unusual shapes and beautiful colors during sunset. Here they also do via ferrata. For beginners, visit the Dolomites in Pale di San Martino. Another famous region for cycling is the Zillertal.

You can hike for a week from the pass of San Pellegrino around Val di Fassa through all the dolomite massifs of the area. Traveling with experts you will be in complete safety. Alpine hospitality is very pleasant, here people are kind and friendly, for no one is surprised when a stranger greets him.

Rest on the lakes. There are enough lakes in the Alps where you can go with the whole family, from the recommended ones you can highlight Molveno in Trentino, this is a quiet lake with all the conditions created for a quiet family vacation. It is also a good idea to visit the recommended Lake Garda.

Cycling enthusiasts will also find many routes of all levels of difficulty, as well as simpler trips through the valleys for which it is not necessary to have a mountain bike. For this, there are specially designated paths for the safe movement of the whole family along them. A popular place for cycling is also the Dolomites.

Fans of thermal springs are attracted by the same Alps, since there are springs here since the time of the Romans, but they were developed only in the second half of the 19th century. Then the entire European elite rested on the waters. The springs are located in the city of Merano, which attracts the city with its climate, rich cultural program and charming landscapes. The quality of the services provided is at its best, since these resorts are considered the hallmark of the Alps.

Throughout the summer, various holidays and festivals take place in the Alps.

The most striking is the music festival "Sounds of the Dolomites", concerts are held in the mountains surrounded by the Dolomites. It is also worth visiting the Settembre Rotaliano winemaking festival in the town of Mezzocorona, in the place where Teroldego is produced, it is considered one of the best wines of the Alpine region.

Reasonable prices for tourists are also considered a definite plus.